It occurs to me that “The Joy of the LORD” has two integral and interconnected aspects. The first is the LORD’s personal joy, which He foresaw
as He lovingly and willingly died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and provide the way for our salvation. The source of His joy was His
foreknowledge of all those people who would trust in Him for salvation and spend eternity with Him. The Bible says it this way: Looking unto Jesus the
author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the
right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
The second aspect is the perpetual joy of believers as they consider all the Lord has done and continues to do for them and His promises for their future.
We have so much to be eternally thankful and joyful for: God loves us and has forgiven our sins through our faith in Jesus, our spirit has been made alive
to God and we can now understand spiritual things. We have been adopted as God’s children, we can communicate directly with our heavenly Father and
we will spend eternity in His presence. Jesus is our eternal King, savior and friend, who loves us more than anyone can imagine. He has promised to
provide for all our needs, be with us always, conform us into His image, and lead us in the paths of righteousness. He give us spiritual power to prosper
according to His perfect plan for our life and has given us the capacity to love others - as He loves us. He is everything we need!
All these truths concerning the joy of the Lord, both His joy in us and our joy in Him, result in great confidence and strength for those who believe!
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me
with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10
I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
my buckler,and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:1-2
