Topical Bible: Joy of Saints, Made Full by Answers to Prayer

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The joy of the saints, or believers, is a profound theme in the Christian faith, deeply rooted in the relationship between God and His people. This joy is often made full through the experience of answered prayers, which serve as a testament to God's faithfulness and His intimate involvement in the lives of His followers.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes the connection between prayer and joy. In the Gospel of John, Jesus Himself assures His disciples of the joy that comes from answered prayer: "Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete" (John 16:24). This promise highlights the direct link between the act of asking in prayer and the fullness of joy that results from receiving God's response.

The Nature of Joy

The joy experienced by the saints is not merely an emotional response but a deep-seated sense of contentment and fulfillment that arises from communion with God. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is characterized by a peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). It is a joy that remains steadfast even amidst trials, as it is anchored in the assurance of God's presence and His sovereign will.

Examples of Joy through Answered Prayer

Throughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of individuals whose joy was made full through answered prayer. Hannah, the mother of Samuel, is one such example. After years of barrenness and fervent prayer, God answered her plea, and she rejoiced in His faithfulness: "My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:1).

Similarly, the early church experienced great joy as a result of answered prayers. In Acts 12, the church prayed earnestly for Peter's release from prison, and when God miraculously delivered him, their joy was evident. This narrative underscores the power of collective prayer and the joy that ensues when God intervenes in seemingly impossible situations.

The Role of Faith

Faith plays a crucial role in the joy that comes from answered prayer. Believers are called to pray with faith, trusting in God's goodness and His perfect timing. James 1:6 encourages believers to "ask in faith, without doubting," emphasizing that faith is integral to the prayer life of a Christian. The joy that follows is a reflection of a faith that has been tested and proven true.

Encouragement for Believers

The joy of the saints, made full by answers to prayer, serves as an encouragement for believers to persist in prayer. It is a reminder that God hears and responds to the cries of His people. The Apostle Paul exhorts the church in Philippi to "rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4), a call that is intrinsically linked to a life of prayer and thanksgiving.

In conclusion, the joy of the saints, enriched by the experience of answered prayer, is a vital aspect of the Christian journey. It is a joy that transcends circumstances, rooted in the assurance of God's love and His active participation in the lives of His children.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 16:24
Till now have you asked nothing in my name: ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Habakkuk-On his Watch-Tower
... horrible, and so hated of all God's saints, as is ... rejoice in the Lord, I will joy
in the ... all their cruel oppressions, have, then, been made Habakkuk's salvation ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/ix habakkuk-on his watch-tower.htm

Prayer Answered, Love Nourished
... Whether it be for hope, for joy, for consolation, or for ... a partaker of the inheritance
of the saints in light ... the arms of Jesus, glorified with him, made to sit ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/prayer answered love nourished.htm

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. ... with prayer is found in the Old
Testament saints, we have ... mine for you all making request with joy." Nor need ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... glory, unto all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks unto the Father,
who made us meet ... partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer...
... child is born in to the world, the joy of a ... the Apostles, and the holy company of
saints, reformers, and ... of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ix bear up the.htm

Anschar, Apostle of the North.
... joyfully around on all sides, drew their joy from it ... breadth of the Church of the
saints were illumined ... on political embassies to King Horik, he made him presents ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/anschar apostle of the north.htm

God Has Everything to do with Prayer
... vials of odours which are the prayers of the saints.". ... to God through the glad currents
of joy and thanksgiving ... His kingdom established in power and made to move ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/iv god has everything to.htm

Prayer and Obedience
... true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints." God's commandments ... and faith, man's nature
is changed, and made partaker of ... God's will without demur, is the joy as it ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ix prayer and obedience.htm

The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest.
... We are here made a spectacle unto the world, and to ... be shut out of the church of
the saints, and separated ... and voice with you in your everlasting joy and praise ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iii the excellencies of.htm

Letter i. The Christian's Mark.
... while under conviction, before they found "joy and peace ... do of his good pleasure,
is made the ground ... The attainments of eminent saints are too generally looked ...
/.../letter i the christians mark.htm