I posted yesterday about the Joy one can feel in fellowship with the Father in Prayer. That is doesn't need to be tedious. OH, you can MAKE it tedious and I know many do. But when we live in a state of JOY we GLORIFY GOD.
For many years I was part of the House of Prayer movement. It was great. It was a good season. There was a place where JOY was part of prayer. It sadly changed over time. Became focused on end times fears and predictions. That can be a joy sucker. Preaching fear and trepidation of the days to come. How about not living like that? It is possible. It is God's best for us all. It's why I am preteristic in my theology. Joy was designed to be our portion and our strength. I put a supporting biblical references at the bottom. I don't want you to think I am making this up.
From John Piper
Joy is not optional. It’s essential.
Christian Hedonism is the conviction that God’s ultimate goal in the world (his glory) and our deepest desire (to be happy) are one and the same, because God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. Not only is God the supreme source of satisfaction for the human soul, but God himself is glorified by our being satisfied in him. Therefore, our pursuit of joy in him is essential.
Christian Hedonism claims that the Christian life should be the pursuit of maximum joy in God — joy both in quality and quantity. Fullness of joy and joy forevermore (Psalm 16:11) are found only in him.
Philippians 4:4 ESV
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
Galatians 5:22 ESV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Psalm 16:11 ESV
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Proverbs 17:22 ESV
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Romans 14:17 ESV
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 30:5 ESV
For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
John 15:11 ESV
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Nehemiah 8:10 ESV
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
1 Peter 1:8 ESV
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
Psalm 4:7 ESV
You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.
Psalm 126:2 ESV
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
Job 8:21 ESV
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.
Zephaniah 3:17 ESV
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
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