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Joy and Peace in the Holy Ghost, April 25
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness,
and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Romans 14:17
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The promises are, “A new heart will I give you”; “I will put my Spirit
within you.” This provision is made for us through the merit of Christ’s
righteousness: “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the
effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.”
Isaiah 32:17
.
Those who experience the change spoken of in these words will find
that their restlessness and disquietude are all taken away, and they will
find rest unto their souls in Christ. His merit, His righteousness, are
imputed to the believing soul, and the believer has inward peace and joy
in the Holy Ghost.
The Lord would have all His sons and daughters happy, peaceful,
and obedient....
Happiness that is sought from selfish motives, outside of the path of
duty, is ill-balanced, fitful, and transitory; it passes away, and the soul
is filled with loneliness and sorrow; but there is joy and satisfaction in
the service of God; the Christian is not left to walk in uncertain paths;
he is not left to vain regrets and disappointments. If we do not have
the pleasures of this life, we may still be joyful in looking to the life
beyond.
But even here Christians may have the joy of communion with
Christ; they may have the light of His love, the perpetual comfort of His
presence. Every step in life may bring us closer to Jesus, may give us a
deeper experience of His love, and may bring us one step nearer to the
blessed home of peace.
There is peace in believing, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Believing
brings peace, and trusting in God brings joy. Believe, believe! my soul
says, believe. Rest in God. He is able to keep that which you have
committed to His trust. He will bring you off more than conqueror
through Him who hath loved you.
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