-Joy looks like…David telling the Levites to “raise sounds of joy” with instruments, singing and trumpets; himself leaping and dancing, when the ark of the covenant is brought back to Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 15:16, 25-29)
-Joy looks like… King Joash initiating the repair of the house of the Lord, the people joyfully bring their gifts and tithes to fund the temple repairs (2 Chronicles 24:8-11)
-Joy looks like King Hezekiah kicking off the Feast of the Unleavened Bread after decades without. The people worship and celebrate for 7 days, and then decide to party for another 7 days. The text says there was nothing like it since the days of Solomon and David! (2 Chronicles 29:25-30; 30:21-26)
-Joy looks like…playing instruments and singing skillfully (Psalm 33:1-3)
-Joy looks like…a physical and emotional longing/ache for the presence of the Lord (Psalm 84:2)
-Joy looks like…creation crying out—the seas, rivers, and mountains breaking forth in song. Can you picture it? (Psalm 98:4-8)
-Joy looks like…selling everything you have to go after a great treasure (Matthew 13:44-46)
-Joy looks like…both Jews and Gentiles—peoples of all nations—praising Him together! (Romans 15:10-11)
-Joy looks like…Jesus facing humiliation and shame, enduring horrific trial unto magnificent victory. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
-Joy looks like…A great multitude gathered for a wedding-- shouting together, “Hallelujah, the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns!” (Revelation 19:6-8)
Which of these expressions most surprises or challenges you?
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