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Fullness of Joy, August 8
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of
joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 16:11
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The religion of Jesus is joy, peace, and happiness.
All Heaven is interested in the happiness of man. Our heavenly
Father does not close the avenues of joy to any of His creatures. The
divine requirements call upon us to shun those indulgences that would
bring suffering and disappointment, that would close to us the door
of happiness and heaven.... He [the world’s Redeemer] requires us to
perform only those duties that will lead our steps to heights of bliss to
which the disobedient can never attain. The true, joyous life of the soul
is to have Christ formed within, the hope of glory.
Those who abide in Jesus will be happy, cheerful, and joyful in God.
A subdued gentleness will mark the voice, reverence for spiritual and
eternal things will be expressed in the actions, and music, joyful music,
will echo from the lips, for it is wafted from the throne of God. This is
the mystery of godliness, not easily explained, but nonetheless felt and
enjoyed.
Words cannot describe the peace and joy possessed by him who
takes God at His word. Trials do not disturb him, slights do not vex him.
Self is crucified. Day by day his duties may become more taxing, his
temptations stronger, his trials more severe; but he does not falter; for
he receives strength equal to his need.
In those who possess it, the religion of Christ will reveal itself as a
vitalizing, pervading principle, a living, working, spiritual energy. There
will be manifest the freshness and power and joyousness of perpetual
youth. The heart that receives the Word of God is not as a pool that
evaporates, not like a broken cistern that loses its treasure. It is like the
mountain stream fed by unfailing springs, whose cool, sparkling waters
leap from rock to rock, refreshing the weary, the thirsty, the heavy laden.
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