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Perceptions #200023
"Pure Joy"
by Mark Pugh
Shouting and singing are the two primary biblical actions connected with joy. God's people have always been known as folks who "shout for joy" and who "sing for joy."
Joy comes from having a right relationship with God. Our society tells us that hedonism is the way to joy. The pursuit of happiness is what many live for. Such a pursuit is ill fated. Joy does not come from the pursuit of physical pleasure. Joy comes from being right with one's God.
Therefore joy is presented in the Scripture as something we can have even in tough times because God is with us. James 1:2 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds." With God in our lives, we can be joyful no matter what the external circumstances.
God is not a "joy killer." Rather, He is the great joy giver! Our God knows joy and wants us to know joy, too. That is why He sent His Son. In Luke 2:10, the angel who announced the birth of Jesus said, "I bring you good news of great joy!"
As the early church grew, joy characterized its growth. In Samaria, when there were many believers, Acts 8:8 says, "There was great joy in that city." Growing churches are joyful churches. It is my prayer for the Southern Hills church family that we will be a joyful church!