As Christians, we are called to have joy in all circumstances. However, that’s often very difficult. Our lives are fragile, and it can be tough to focus on the Lord in times of sorrow or pain. That truth is no stranger to any of the writers of these encouraging quotes on Biblical joy. Their eloquent and beautiful descriptions of Christian joy encourage us to put our eyes on Jesus in every situation.
If you’re interested in reading more about joy, have a look at Greater than Happiness: Joy in the Lord, which breaks down how the Bible charts the path to eternal joy in Jesus Christ.
Surely we serve a good Master, who makes peace and joy so essential to our religion.
Matthew Henry, Bible Commentary (Section on Romans 14)
All our joy must terminate in God; and our thoughts of God must be delightful thoughts. It is our duty and privilege to rejoice in God, and to rejoice in him always; at all times, in all conditions. There is enough in God to furnish us with matter of joy in the worst circumstance on earth. Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice. If good men have not a continual feast, it is their own fault.
Matthew Henry, Bible Commentary (Section on Philippians 4)
Praise is the mode of love which always has some element of joy in it.
C. S. Lewis, A Grief Observed
Only believe; believe the goodness of Christ, the love of Christ, the promises of the covenant, and the joys and glories of heaven; let faith be the substance and evidence of these things, and the result must needs be joy and peace. Observe, It is all joy and peace-all sorts of true joy and peace. When we come to God by prayer we must enlarge our desires; we are not straitened in him, why should we be straitened in ourselves? Ask for all joy; open thy mouth wide, and he will fill it.
Matthew Henry, Bible Commentary (Section on Romans 15)
The truest, purest joy flows from a discovery of Jesus Christ. He is the hidden treasure that gives such joy to the finder (Matt. 13:44).
Robert Murray Mc’Cheyne, Letters to a Soul Seeking Christ
He is our joy and our happiness, even as He is our peace. He is life, He is everything. So avoid the incitements and the temptations of Satan to give feelings this great prominence at the centre. Put at the centre the only One who has a right to be there, the Lord of Glory, Who so loved you that He went to the Cross and bore the punishment and the shame of your sins and died for you. Seek Him, seek His face, and all other things shall be added unto you.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Spiritual Depression
Thus the soul gathers itself from all its wanderings, from all other beloveds, to rest in God alone,—to satiate and content itself in him; choosing the Father for his present and eternal rest. And this also with delight. “Thy loving-kindness,” saith the Psalmist, “is better than life; therefore I will praise thee” (Psalm 63:3).
John Owen, Communion with God
The heavenly blessing is to be delivered from the law, sin and death; to be justified and quickened to life: to have peace with God; to have a faithful heart, a joyful conscience, a spiritual consolation; to have the knowledge of Jesus Christ; to have the gift of prophecy, and the revelation of the Scriptures; to have the gift of the Holy Ghost, and to rejoice in God.
Martin Luther, Commentary on Galatians
But if you possess faith, your heart cannot do otherwise than laugh for joy in God, and grow free, confidence, and courageous. For how can the heart remain sorrowful and dejected when it entertains no doubt of God’s kindness to it, and of his attitude as a good friend with whom it may unreservedly and freely enjoy all things?
Martin Luther, “God’s Grace Received Must Be Bestowed,” Early Christmas Morning Service (1522)
God of truth, I ask that I may receive so that my “joy may be complete.” Until then let my mind meditate on it, let my tongue speak of it, let my heart love it, let my mouth preach it. Let my soul hunger for it, let my flesh thirst for it, my whole being desire it, until I enter into the ‘joy of the Lord,’ who is God, Three in One, ‘blessed forever. Amen.’
Anselm, Proslogion
If you enjoyed these encouraging quotes on Biblical Christian joy, look at our full treatment on the subject of joy, and enjoy these Bible verses on joy!
© Olivia Davis 2020, all rights reserved
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