Topical Bible: Joy: Promote, in the Afflicted

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In the Christian tradition, joy is a profound and abiding sense of happiness and contentment that transcends circumstances. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a hallmark of the Christian life. The Bible encourages believers to promote joy, especially among those who are afflicted, as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the presence of God in all situations.

Biblical Foundation

The Scriptures provide numerous examples and exhortations to promote joy among the afflicted. In the Old Testament, the psalmist declares, "You have turned my mourning into dancing; You have removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy" (Psalm 30:11). This verse illustrates the divine ability to transform sorrow into joy, a promise that believers are called to share with those who are suffering.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul, writing from prison, exhorts the Philippians to "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4). Despite his own afflictions, Paul emphasizes the importance of joy as a reflection of trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.

The Role of the Community

The Christian community plays a vital role in promoting joy among the afflicted. The early church is depicted as a community that shared in each other's joys and burdens, as seen in Acts 2:46-47: "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people" . This communal life fostered an environment where joy could flourish even amidst trials.

Practical Ways to Promote Joy

1. Encouragement and Support: Believers are called to "encourage one another and build one another up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Offering words of encouragement and practical support can uplift those who are afflicted, reminding them of God's love and faithfulness.

2. Prayer and Intercession: James 5:13 instructs, "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises" . Prayer is a powerful tool for promoting joy, as it invites God's presence and peace into difficult situations.

3. Sharing Testimonies: Sharing personal accounts of God's faithfulness can inspire hope and joy in others. Revelation 12:11 speaks of overcoming "by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony" , highlighting the power of testimony in encouraging others.

4. Acts of Kindness: Simple acts of kindness can bring joy to those who are suffering. Proverbs 12:25 states, "Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up" . Demonstrating love through action can be a tangible expression of God's care.

Theological Implications

The promotion of joy among the afflicted is deeply rooted in the Christian understanding of suffering and redemption. Suffering is not seen as meaningless but as an opportunity for God's glory to be revealed. Romans 8:18 affirms, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us" . This perspective encourages believers to look beyond present afflictions to the eternal joy promised in Christ.

Furthermore, the joy that believers are called to promote is not dependent on external circumstances but is anchored in the unchanging nature of God. Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength" . This joy is a source of strength and resilience for the afflicted, empowering them to endure and overcome challenges with hope and confidence in God's promises.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 29:13
The blessing of him that was ready to perish came on me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Advanced Christian Reminded of the Mercies of God, and ...
... acknowledge the pleasures of sympathy with the afflicted, much more ... praise thee for
the rest, the joy, the transport ... it was the delight of my heart to promote. ...
/.../chapter xxvii the advanced christian.htm

The Fiftieth Chapter: How a Desolate Person Ought to Commit ...
... If You give peace, if You infuse holy joy, the soul ... the sight of men, let him be
afflicted with sufferings ... You know what will promote my progress, and how much ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the fiftieth chapter how a.htm

The Gospel Message, Good Tidings
... their ministry fill them likewise with praise and joy. ... a preacher an occasion whereby
to promote their own ... There are many poor, and many afflicted people, who ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxi the gospel message.htm

Christian Sympathy
... In all our afflictions he is afflicted. ... Then, beside the joy it brings, there is
experience. ... for I believe the happy fusion of all will promote the interests ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm

Intercession Every Christian's Duty
... it the best means you can use, to promote your own ... intercede for all that are any
ways afflicted in mind ... breast; but he will be filled with joy, peace, meekness ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/intercession every christians duty.htm

Of Meditating on the Future Life.
... the kind of tribulation with which we are afflicted, we should ... since it is wholly
destined to promote their salvation ... who does not look forward with joy to the ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter iv of meditating on.htm

Of Meditating on the Future Life.
... the kind of tribulation with which we are afflicted, we should ... since it is wholly
destined to promote their salvation ... who does not look forward with joy to the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 9 of meditating on.htm

An Address to the Regenerate, Founded on the Preceding Discourses.
... to behave in a suitable manner; study to promote the work ... And is not this too, O
thou afflicted soul, who ... continued burdens, have you not here a joy that the ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse x an address to.htm

The Chorus of Angels
... of His redeemed people, who once were afflicted and burdened ... course, and are entered
into the joy of their ... would have a direct tendency to promote idolatry. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlix the chorus of.htm

Last Journey and Death, 1858 --Concluding Remarks.
... Our dear friend encouraged and consoled the weak and the afflicted. ... has been called
to enter into his Lord's joy. ... of duty, which is designed to promote his own ...
/.../chapter xxi last journey and.htm