Contagious Joy

Today, I had the great honor of fellowshipping with the wonderful ladies of Christ United Methodist Church in Greensboro, NC. The theme of the conference was contagious joy. What an awesome topic! I know I want to be “Jesus contagious” but too often I spread something other than Jesus. Thank the good Lord that He is faithful to finish the work He started in me. I love Him for loving me enough not to leave me the way I am.

We identified the things we substitute for Jesus Joy in our life. I shared my shopping addiction as well as other “things of this world” that I used to pour into the God-sized whole in my heart. I am living on the other side of the substitute now and the freedom does bring Jesus Joy. The lessons have been painful at times however the rewards I have received from my Lord are worth the pain. (Speaking of rewards, check out A Matter of Grace. Kristi wrote a wonderful piece on rewards.)

The Lord lead me to great some great scripture (like He always does) to prove that true joy comes only from Jesus. They were so great I wanted to share them with you. I don’t think the ladies from CUMC will mind me sharing lessons from their session. Enjoy His joy:

His Protection
Psalm 21:1
O LORD, the king rejoices in your strength. How great is his joy in the victories you give!

His Presence
Psalm 21:6
Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

His Pardon
Psalm 51:12
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

His Power
Psalm 67:4
May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah

His Perfect Love
Psalm 90:14
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

His Provision
Psalm 92:4
For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.

His Peace
Psalm 94:19
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.

His Precepts
Psalm 119:111
Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.

Our Pain
Psalm 126:5
Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

Now, go back and read the scriptures out loud. There is amazing power in the spoken. Experience the power.

In my next post I will offer the prescription for Jesus Joy, contagious joy.

For His Renown