The Path of Joy

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

Psalms 16:11

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

John 15:11

The path of joy is being in his presence. The path of joy is abiding in the vine. Jesus is the vine. We have two scriptures that point to the path of joy. These two scriptures speak to having the fullness of joy in our life. An example of joy can be described as on a wedding day or the birth of a child. Joy is happiness, but it is much more than an emotional response. It is the fulfillment and long-lasting satisfaction of something being confirmed. One might say it is the satisfaction of life.

Joy is meant to be lasting in a person’s life. Yet, we know that it can be a fleeting emotional experience. How does one keep the path of joy? Real joy is being in the presence of God. Real joy is abiding in the love of God and keeping the commandments. Real joy is continuing our walk in the love of God. The path of joy is understanding the word of God.

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Nehamiah 8:10

Nehamiah was governor of Persian Judea under Artaxerxes 1 of Persia. Nehamiah and Ezra, the priest helped the people to understand the word of God. The people wept when they heard the words of the law [see Nehemiah 8:9]. In verse 10 of chapter eight states, “for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” They had understood and because they understood, they were weeping. Here is the path of joy, understanding the word of God and then going to eat the fat, drink, and send a portion to those who have nothing. This day is holy unto our Lord and the joy of the Lord is our strength. Is the joy of the Lord your strength?

Has the Lord done great things for you? I love to see the Lord’s manifestation of doing something for someone, if they would only believe in the power of the Lord. Each day is holy unto the Lord and His desire is to be our strength in doing the impossible. We can remember past blessings, but let’s allow the Lord to give us present blessings.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.  The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.  Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.  They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Psalms 126:2-6

The path of joy brings laughter and singing where those who do not believe can see what great things God has done for those who do believe. Oh! Turn again our captivity Lord with streams of living water. We may sow our seed in tears, but we will reap in joy. We are the clay molded for the master’s use in being a servant of the Lord shining the light of his love to those around us. We may pray with tears, but the end result is reaping in joy the blessings that God has bestowed upon us.

Every day can be a blessing when we give of ourselves to God and share it with others. That God’s spirit can work through us to the glory of God. That we may have joy unspeakable and full of glory. That our tongue may speak of the wonders of God and sing His praises. Keep the word of God and we shall abide in His love. Abiding in the vine through the word of God brings the fulfillment of joy as is stated in John chapter 15. It is the experience of repentance, cleansing, baptism, and sanctification that brings joy into our hearts. Just look at the following verses.

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.  And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.”

1 John 1:3-4

These things were written that your joy may be full. Fellowship with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ is the path to joy.