ENJOYING GOD by Dr. Jim Savage

ENJOYING GOD.....Word...Experience......Paul in Acts:

There is a unique joy that belongs to a child of God (1 Chron 16:8-12, 23-36). You have no need to fear or to be anxious. Your God is powerful and mighty to save (Zep 3:17). Despite your circumstances you can "glory in His holy name" and your heart can rejoice as you seek Him and the strength He offers (1 Ch 16:10-11).

Linger on the words of this passage from 1 Chronicles. Let them seep into your heart as well as into your mind. You are coming to the Great God, in whose Presence are splendor, majesty, strength, and joy (1 Ch 16:27). He is worthy of all praise and glory. Communion with God may or may not change your circumstances, but your heart and your attitude will never be the same.

(In Acts Paul teaches us about joy. In spite of dire circumstances throughout his life, he has joy and can sing and praise God.)

Mother Teresa: "Once I asked my confessor for advice about my vocation. I asked, 'How can I know if God is calling me and for what He is calling me?'
He answered, 'You will know by your happiness. If you are happy with the idea that God calls you to serve Him and your neighbor, this will be the proof of your vocation. Profound joy of the heart is like a magnet that indicates the Path of Life. One has to follow it, even though one enters into a Way full of difficulties.' "

Where does all the joy originate? (Ne 12:43; Ps 43:4)
What produces joy in an unbeliever? (Acts 14:17)
What produces joy in a believer? (Acts 8:5-8; 16:34)
How is this joy produced in you? (1 Th 1:6)
Joy is a fruit produced by the Presence of the Holy Spirit. (Gal 5:22)
Jesus says an intimate relationship with Him ("remain in My Love") through obedience to God's commands is the Way to complete joy. (Jn 15:10-11)
Is your relationship with Jesus intimate enough to produce complete joy?
What can you do to receive this complete joy? (Jn 16:24)
What happens to your joy when trouble comes? How can you retain your joy in times of trial? (Ps 33:16-22)
Jesus knows life is full of trouble and suffering. (Jn 16:33; 17:13-15)
How is joy compatible with suffering? (Jas 1:2-4; 1 Pe 1:6-9)

The struggles and tragedies of this life need not affect your joy as a child of God. True joy is based on the spiritual realities of who God is and what He has promised. God IS Good and God IS Faithful----regardless of your situation. Paul learns this Truth and has much to sing and praise God about.

If your heart is bursting with joy today, give thanks! Speak aloud your joy and thanksgiving to God. Spend time praising and worshiping Him through music and prayer. He is worthy of your exuberant praise.
If you are longing for the kind of joy described in this study, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His joy. The Spirit is the joy-bringer. "Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." (Jn 16:24) That's a promise from Jesus' own lips, and He is Faithful. (Women of Faith Study Bible)

AFFIRMATION;
I Share from the Goodness of God in my heart and in my life.
Quiet moments in communion with God help me Know what is mine to do and how to do it.
Sharing with others is a wonderful Way to give of the Goodness of God that I have had the privilege to experience. Thank You, Loving God. Thank You, Christ Jesus. Thank You, Holy Spirit. Amen. Jim