Topical Encyclopedia
The joy of God over His people is a profound theme woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the deep and abiding love that the Creator has for His creation. This joy is not merely a passive feeling but an active delight and pleasure that God takes in His covenant people. The greatness of this joy is described in various passages, revealing the heart of God towards those who are His.
Zephaniah 3:17 One of the most vivid descriptions of God's joy over His people is found in
Zephaniah 3:17: "The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing." This verse portrays God as a mighty warrior who not only saves but also rejoices over His people with exuberant joy. The imagery of God singing over His people suggests a deep, personal delight and a celebratory love that is both protective and nurturing.
Isaiah 62:5 In
Isaiah 62:5, the joy of God is likened to the joy of a bridegroom over his bride: "For as a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you." This metaphor highlights the intimate and covenantal nature of God's relationship with His people, emphasizing the joy and commitment akin to that found in a marriage. It underscores the personal and relational aspect of God's joy, reflecting His deep affection and commitment.
Jeremiah 32:41 Jeremiah 32:41 further describes God's joy in doing good to His people: "I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and soul." Here, God's joy is expressed in His actions towards His people, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to their welfare and prosperity. The use of "all My heart and soul" indicates the fullness and intensity of God's joy, underscoring His wholehearted dedication to His people.
Luke 15:7, 10 In the New Testament, Jesus illustrates the joy of God over repentant sinners in the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. In
Luke 15:7, Jesus states, "In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent." Similarly, in
Luke 15:10, He says, "In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." These passages reveal the heavenly celebration and the immense joy that God experiences when a sinner turns back to Him, highlighting the value and worth of each individual in God's eyes.
Ephesians 1:5-6 The Apostle Paul, in
Ephesians 1:5-6, speaks of God's pleasure in adopting believers as His children: "He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One." This passage emphasizes that God's joy is rooted in His sovereign will and grace, as He delights in bringing people into His family through Christ. The "good pleasure of His will" indicates that God's joy is both intentional and gracious, reflecting His loving purpose for His people.
The joy of God over His people is a testament to His character—His love, grace, and faithfulness. It is a joy that is both profound and personal, reflecting the deep relationship between the Creator and His creation. Through His joy, God reveals His heart and His desire for His people to experience the fullness of life in Him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Zephaniah 3:17The LORD your God in the middle of you is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over you with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over you with singing.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... graces of the Christian character, "love, joy, peace, long ... of Egypt; and he made
him governor over Egypt and ... An equally striking evidence of God's power to melt ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm
A Jealous God
... "The Lord reigneth," be this our joy. ... gracious God; living to him as living before
a jealous God. ... In the highest sense, THE LORD IS JEALOUS OVER HIS OWN PEOPLE ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/a jealous god.htm
A Sketch of the Life of St. Augustin.
... able to leave this world with joy without revisiting ... proved to be the voice of God,
in the ... wretchedness which the barbarian Vandals spread over his country in ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter ii a sketch of the.htm
God's Love for a Sinning World
... Such is the labour, the joy, and the self-denial of the Father, the Son ... Dow paid
it over, and rode on. ... Finally, God wants volunteers to help on this great work ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/i gods love for a.htm
Continues the Same Subject: Explains the Prayer of Union by a ...
... is that God should be offended, and that lost souls are His children and my brethren;
if I pondered over the dangers ... What joy to suffer in doing God's will! ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter ii continues the same 3.htm
Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Gospel, the, two-fold veil over, [786]283; worketh not only remission of sins, but
righteousness, [787]ib.; a savor of ointment, [788 ... Joy in God a defence ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm
Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Oil, used for spiritual joy, [802]60; for the Holy ... Providence of God, over all,
[898]663; sin of not believing ... 992]32; can be overcome only by God's help, [993 ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm
The Gospel Day Seen in Prophecy.
... He says, "The unclean shall not pass over it;... ... but there should be songs of
everlasting joy, and sorrow ... we have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /the gospel day seen in.htm
The First Ministry of the Baptist.
... kingdom, which is righteousness, and peace, and joy in the ... the curse which has so
long brooded over the world ... the manifestation of the sons of God: but when ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/v the first ministry of.htm
"Is not this the Carpenter's Son?"
... learning and piety, they would have hailed Him with joy. ... such as to make the service
of God seem desirable. ... should be exalted to pre-eminence over all nations ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 24 is not this.htm
Resources
How can I find joy in the midst of trials? | GotQuestions.orgIs there a difference between joy and happiness? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I experience joy in my Christian life? | GotQuestions.orgJoy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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