Topical Bible: Joy: Increased to the Meek

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In the biblical context, joy is a profound and abiding sense of happiness and contentment that is rooted in one's relationship with God. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is often associated with the presence and favor of the Lord. The Scriptures reveal that joy is particularly increased to the meek, those who exhibit humility, gentleness, and a submissive spirit before God.

The concept of meekness is closely tied to the character of Christ, who described Himself as "gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11:29). The meek are those who recognize their dependence on God and submit to His will, trusting in His provision and timing. This attitude of humility and trust opens the door to a deeper experience of divine joy.

Isaiah 29:19 states, "The humble will increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel." This verse highlights the promise that those who are humble, or meek, will experience an increase in joy. The joy of the meek is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in their relationship with God and their trust in His sovereignty.

The Beatitudes, as recorded in Matthew 5, further emphasize the blessedness of the meek. Matthew 5:5 declares, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." This inheritance is not merely a future promise but also a present reality, as the meek experience the joy of living under God's rule and enjoying His blessings.

Psalm 37:11 echoes this sentiment: "But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity." The joy of the meek is linked to their inheritance, which includes both spiritual and material blessings. Their delight is in the abundance that comes from God's hand, a reflection of His faithfulness and generosity.

The joy of the meek is also evident in their response to God's Word. Psalm 119:130 states, "The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." The meek, characterized by their teachable spirit, find joy in the illumination and understanding that comes from God's Word. Their humility allows them to receive divine wisdom and guidance, leading to a life marked by joy and peace.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul exemplifies the joy of the meek through his writings. Despite facing numerous trials and hardships, Paul consistently expresses joy in the Lord. In Philippians 4:4 , he exhorts believers, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Paul's joy is rooted in his relationship with Christ and his submission to God's will, demonstrating the profound joy available to the meek.

The joy of the meek is ultimately a reflection of their intimate relationship with God. As they walk humbly with Him, they experience the fullness of His presence and the joy that comes from knowing and serving Him. This joy is a testimony to the transformative power of God's grace in the lives of those who are meek and humble in heart.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 29:19
The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Second Division.
... Therefore our reluctance to let them go increased with our sense ... and how full of
wonder is the joy with which ... to be found as learners of Christ, meek and lowly ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/second division.htm

The Yoke of Christ.
... we should be; gentle instead of harsh, meek instead of ... true Cross, can taste no bitterer
pain, no keener joy. ... thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon viii the yoke of.htm

On Patience
... 7. And as peace, hope, joy, and love are the ... Christian zeal is likewise confirmed
and increased by patience, and so ... was mixed with pride: he was meek; but his ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 83 on patience.htm

Of the Ordering of all the virtues through the Seven Gifts of the ...
... Thus he becomes gentle of heart, meek and merciful ... so much the better, the more his
resemblance is increased. ... and thus he shall be able to overcome joy and grief ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter lxiii of the ordering.htm

A Homily on the Beatitudes, St. Matt. v. 9-Jan
... things, and does not seek to be increased with the ... For the meek shall possess it
in perpetual peace ... see [1248] ; and through the unspeakable joy of eternal ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xcv a homily on.htm

Experience the Value of Testimony.
... doors again the very birds twittered with increased gladness, and ... She was restful,
contented, loving, meek. ... Their faces were full of joy, and they seemed to ...
/.../rees/the heart-cry of jesus/experience the value of testimony.htm

The Battle of Life
... and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly ... Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, meekness ... Laodiceans, 'I am rich, and increased with goods ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon vii the battle of.htm

A Stanza of Deliverance
... The man Moses was not only very meek; but he was also so slow in speech that ... cannot
lift their thought so high as to think of the gold of increased joy, or the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/a stanza of deliverance.htm

Matt. xiii. 34, 35
... but also that we are to do so with joy; and when ... explained it by one part of it,
and increased their awe ... I look," saith He, "but unto him that is meek and humble ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xlvii matt xiii 34.htm

The Parable of the Wedding Feast
... The slaughter of mankind would bring no joy to him, he is meek and lowly ... a princely
wedding by levying a fresh tax, or demanding an increased subsidy from ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the parable of the wedding.htm