The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
Psalm 19.8a
The second component of the Fruit of the Spirit is Joy (Galatians 5.22) and should thus be visible and obvious in the lives of God’s people – those who have put their trust in Jesus as Saviour and Lord.
At CFC at the moment we are working through the nine aspects of this beautiful fruit and without attempting to preempt the preacher tomorrow here in Psalm 19, David hits on one sure and certain way in which the godly can know joy in their hearts and if it is known, then it will surely bubble up and over and out in daily living.
The precepts that the LORD sets before us in his word give inward joy. So consider this for a moment.
Each time you open God’s word (which I trust is at the very least, daily) expect to find that inward joy.
Joy generated by who God is. Joy generated by what God has done for you in Christ. Joy that, in spite of appearances, God is sovereign and working out his purposes in the world. Joy in human relationships which are built on love. Joy in knowing that God’s way is best.
Tragically, joy deep and lasting joy is not something that many experience , for without God, and his precepts joy will be restricted to passing things that exist for a moment and then simply become memories whereas in God’s precepts and in his presence is ‘fulness of joy’ Psalm 16.11 (KJV).
May the joy of LORD be our strength today, (Nehemiah 8.10) fuelled by his perfect precepts, freely available to us in his word.