November 6, 2016: SOAP #2530:  Job 30; Psalm 120; Galatians 3,4

Scripture:  Galatians (NIV) 4:15 What has happened to all your joy?…

Observation:   Joy is a special characteristic of the presence of God.  The Psalmist said that in His presence is joy.  (Psalm 21:6)   Jesus promised His joy to his follower’s joy.  (John 15:11, 17:13)   Paul knew something was wrong with the Galatians because they had lost their joy.  The joy they once had from trusting Jesus for their salvation had been lost in believing their salvation depended on how well they kept the law.

Application:  When I worked as a hospital corpsman in the US Navy, we usually started evaluating patients by considering their vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and breathing.  Those signs are not life, just signs that life is present.  I see joy as a spiritual vital sign.  Lack of joy, or joy that is easily disrupted, can indicate my faith is weak.  On the other hand, strong joy that is hard to be dampened can indicate a deep-seated faith that God is in control and is working through everything for my good.

Prayer:   Thank you Lord, for giving me your joy.  I know that being joyful pleases you and makes what I have attractive to others.  Let your joy be seen in me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!