Preface to the Study
What could be more natural than for believers to praise the Lord? In fact, the Psalmist says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!” For those who have been redeemed to not be filled with the joy of the Lord indicates that something is seriously wrong. Yet such is far too often the case.
Occasionally, the problem is that many believers fear any emotion. The result is often that their testimony is stilted and their own joy is stifled. We have much to rejoice about and part of our testimony is in the heart of joy that we display to the world, even in the most difficult of situations. When Paul and Silas were thrown into prison, their natural response was to begin praising the Lord (Acts 16:25). When the disciples were beaten and told not to teach in the name of Jesus any longer, they rejoiced that they had been “counted worthy to suffer for His name’s sake” (Acts 5:41). Jesus told His disciples, “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad” when they were persecuted (Matthew 5:12). One great testimony of the early church was the great joy that they had in the Lord.
Our joy is not simply an emotion. It is a reality—what we have in Christ is more than all that the world can offer us. In Psalm 73, Asaph proclaimed this sentiment: “Whom have I in heaven but thee, and besides thee I desire nothing on earth.” This joy comes from remembering all that the Lord has done for us.
Sadly, this joy is often a missing testimony in many believers today. It is our prayer that the articles in this issue may lead you to rejoice once again in the Lord and that His joy might be your strength! May this issue may awaken that joy in many again!
By His Grace, Jim
