Topical Bible: Joy of Saints Is for Divine Support

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The concept of joy among the saints, as depicted in the Bible, is deeply intertwined with the divine support and presence of God. This joy is not merely an emotional response to favorable circumstances but is rooted in the spiritual reality of God's faithfulness and provision.

Biblical Foundation

The joy of the saints is often highlighted in the context of God's salvation and His ongoing support. In the Old Testament, the psalmist declares, "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I will thank Him with my song" (Psalm 28:7). Here, joy is a direct result of divine assistance and protection, illustrating that the saints' joy is anchored in the assurance of God's support.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit, which is a mark of the kingdom of God: "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). This joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is indicative of the believer's relationship with God, sustained by His Spirit.

Joy Amidst Trials

The joy of the saints is particularly profound in the face of trials and tribulations. James encourages believers to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:2-3). This perspective is possible because of the divine support that undergirds the believer's life, providing strength and purpose even in adversity.

The Apostle Peter also speaks to this theme, writing, "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy" (1 Peter 1:8). This joy is rooted in the hope of salvation and the sustaining presence of God, which transcends present sufferings.

Joy in Worship and Community

The joy of the saints is often expressed in worship and communal gatherings. The early church exemplified this joy as they met together, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people (Acts 2:46-47). Worship becomes a conduit for experiencing and expressing the joy that comes from divine support, as believers collectively acknowledge God's goodness and faithfulness.

The Psalms frequently call the community of believers to rejoice in the Lord, as seen in Psalm 100:2: "Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs" . This communal joy is a testament to the shared experience of God's support and the collective acknowledgment of His sovereignty and grace.

Eternal Joy

The joy of the saints is ultimately eschatological, pointing to the eternal joy that will be fully realized in the presence of God. Revelation 21:4 speaks of a time when "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away" . This future hope fuels the present joy of the saints, as they anticipate the complete fulfillment of God's promises and the eternal support of His presence.

In summary, the joy of the saints is a profound and enduring reality, deeply rooted in the divine support and presence of God. It transcends circumstances, is expressed in worship and community, and looks forward to the eternal joy that awaits in God's kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song will I praise him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 63:7
Because you have been my help, therefore in the shadow of your wings will I rejoice.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Divine Support and Protection
... Divine Support and Protection ... T he passions of joy or grief, of admiration or gratitude,
are ... sufficient to style himself, The least of all saints,' but, less ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlv divine support and.htm

Joy
... saints. He was a man of sorrows, that we might be full of joy; he
prayed that the saints might have this divine joy. And ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/8 joy.htm

Departed Saints Fellow Servants with those yet on Earth.
... first to welcome their arrival at the world of joy. ... It belongs neither to glorified
saints, nor to angels of ... of our heavenly Father, and of the divine Redeemer ...
/.../sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxvii departed saints fellow.htm

The General Service to Saints Andrew of Constantinople, Isidore of ...
... THE GENERAL SERVICE TO SAINTS ANDREW OF CONSTANTINOPLE, ISIDORE ... O blissful one;
wherefore ineffable joy and heavenly ... with the help from the Divine Spirit, the ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxvii the general service.htm

Saints and Faithful
... The saints are saints because they are first of all faithful ... which bind us to God,
which make it a joy to do ... come to fulfil all the purposes of the divine heart ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/saints and faithful.htm

Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
... sum and quintessence of the gospel; the wonder of angels; the joy and triumph of
saints. ... 4. Christ must needs be God, not only that the divine nature might ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 christ the mediator of.htm

Religious Joy.
... of their cold and famished mood into great joy; to teach ... each in his own degree of
His Divine Nature so ... the only reason (so to speak) why His saints are not ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xvii religious joy.htm

Joy Born at Bethlehem
... Join in the joy, ye saints, for he is the preserver ... Were it not for this divine Saviour,
your life here ... you is born." Beloved hearer, shall the joy begin with ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/joy born at bethlehem.htm

Letter xv. --Trials to be Endured Peacefully.
... to withdraw our attention from this divine Presence, and ... changed, or rather transformed
into spiritual joy, quiet, tranquil ... be like that of the saints, in God ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xv trials to be endured.htm

Abram's Horror of Great Darkness.
... when they are brought to hope in divine mercy, and ... a hope towards God, they are glad,
their joy is soon ... The saints carry about in them a "body of death." While ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon v abrams horror of.htm