“For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods…the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; STRENGTH AND JOY ARE IN HIS DWELLING PLACE.” (1 Chron. 16:25-27) [Joy comes from the word: chedvâh, which means delight and gladness a state of rejoicing! That is where our Abba Father dwells (lives), His dwelling is full of joy and it is filled with delight and gladness! That is why Nehemiah said:] “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, FOR THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH.” (Neh. 8:10) [Ezra opened the ‘Book’ (the scriptures) and all the people stood up to listen because it had been some time since the heard the word of God! As they listened they lifted their hands crying “Amen! Amen!” then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord! Why? Because THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH!] “The Levites…instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. They read from the Book of the Law of God, MAKING IT CLEAR AND GIVING THE MEANING SO THAT THE PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD what was being read…This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.” (Neh. 8:7-9) [Oh, that we would RESPOND TO THE PRECIOUS AND POWERFUL “Word of God” in this manner! It may cause our Pastors to faint.] “I KEEP MY EYES ALWAYS ON THE LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you…make known to me the path of life; YOU WILL FILL ME WITH JOY IN YOUR PRESENCE, WITH ETERNAL PLEASURES at your right hand.” (Psa. 16:8-11) [It is your joy Abba Father that is our strength! That is why we should always keep our eyes on you!!!]
HAVE AN AWESOME AND JOY FILLED DAY!
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that YOU ABBA FATHER WILL FILL US WITH JOY IN HIS PRESENCE, WITH ETERNAL PLEASURES AT HIS RIGHT HAND!
-Bill Stockham