Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of joy in the life of a believer is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, and it is often associated with the blessings that God bestows upon His people in their earthly lives. This joy, while rooted in spiritual realities, frequently finds expression in the temporal blessings that God provides.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible presents numerous instances where the joy of the saints is linked to the temporal blessings they receive. In the Old Testament, the Israelites experienced joy as they witnessed God's provision and protection. For example, in
Deuteronomy 12:7 , it is written, "There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you." This passage highlights the joy that comes from recognizing God's hand in the provision of daily needs and the enjoyment of His blessings.
Similarly, the Psalms often reflect the joy that arises from God's temporal blessings.
Psalm 126:3 declares, "The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy." Here, the psalmist acknowledges the great deeds of the Lord, which include both spiritual and material blessings, as a source of profound joy.
New Testament PerspectiveIn the New Testament, the joy of the saints continues to be associated with God's blessings, though with a deeper understanding of the eternal perspective. Jesus Himself spoke of the joy that comes from God's provision. In
John 16:24 , He encourages His disciples, "Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete." This promise underscores the joy that believers experience when their prayers for temporal needs are answered.
The Apostle Paul also speaks to the joy found in God's blessings. In
Philippians 4:19 , he assures the believers, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." This assurance of God's provision is a source of joy for the saints, as they trust in His faithfulness to meet their needs.
Joy in Community and FellowshipThe joy of the saints is often experienced in the context of community and fellowship, where temporal blessings are shared and celebrated.
Acts 2:46-47 describes the early church: "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." The communal sharing of meals and resources brought joy to the early believers, as they recognized these as blessings from God.
Gratitude and ContentmentThe joy of the saints in temporal blessings is closely tied to gratitude and contentment. In
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 , Paul exhorts the believers, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." The call to rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances reflects an attitude of contentment and recognition of God's provision, which fuels the joy of the saints.
ConclusionThe joy of the saints, as seen in the Bible, is deeply intertwined with the temporal blessings that God provides. While rooted in spiritual truths, this joy is often expressed through the recognition and celebration of God's provision in the everyday lives of believers. Through gratitude, contentment, and community, the saints find joy in the manifold blessings bestowed upon them by their loving and faithful God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Joel 2:23,24Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he has given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Psalm 68 Part 3 Praise for Temporal Blessings; Or, Common and ...
... v.19,9,20-22 LM. Praise for temporal blessings; or, Common and special mercies. ... Is
endless joy, or endless pains. ... But his right hand his saints shall raise. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 68 part 3 praise.htm
Psalm 68:3. 19 9 20-2. Third Part. Praise for Temporal Blessings ...
... Praise for temporal blessings; or, Common and special mercies ... wide difference that
remains, Is endless joy, or endless ... But his right hand his saints shall raise ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/psalm 68 3 0 19 9 20-2.htm
Our Requests Made Known unto God
... The temporal blessings received from the Lord are not sufficient ... trials of life cannot
prevent the saints from singing ... ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 2 our requests made.htm
An Index to Find a Psalm Suited to Particular Subjects or ...
... and pardoned, [620]107. Joy of conversion, [621]126: see Delight. Israel. ... from the
saints, [846]149, [847]150; for temporal blessings, [848]68, [849]147; ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/an index to find a.htm
The Psalms of David
... 1-7. First Part, SM Praise for spiritual and temporal mercies ... Psalm 125:2. SM The
saints' trial and safety; or ... Psalm 126:2. CM The joy of a remarkable conversion ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/
Typology
... life of men is like that of the saints. ... express very clearly the promise of temporal
blessings, and that ... Testament contains the types of future joy, and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section x typology.htm
Rejoicings of the victors.
... Christ, as filled with inexpressible joy; the ministers ... Christianity,"that not only
the temporal blessings of the ... so many of the Lord's saints and confessors ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/rejoicings of the victors.htm
The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
... PSALM 103 PART 1 Praise for spiritual and temporal mercies. ... HYMN 162 Meditation of
heaven; or, The joy of faith. ... HYMN 2 Communion with Christ, and with saints. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/
Blessing for Blessing
... if it makes heaven the gladder, and makes joy in the ... fare, and made us a feast with
saints and princes. ... man is grateful to God for temporal blessings; but he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/blessing for blessing.htm
On Prayer and The Contemplative Life
... devotion, 57; produces sadness as well as joy, 62-65 ... good, 98; for our inferiors,
98; for temporal blessings, 89-95 ... for our enemies, 99-102; the Saints in Heaven ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/index 2.htm
Resources
What is the joy of the Lord? | GotQuestions.orgThe Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is joy? | GotQuestions.orgHow did Jesus bring joy to the world? | GotQuestions.orgJoy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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