“Be joyful always” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Kaufmann Kohler was a German-born Jewish American biblical scholar and critic, theologian, Reform rabbi, and contributing editor to numerous articles in The Jewish Encyclopedia. He stated in The Jewish Encyclopedia that no language has as many words for joy and rejoicing, as does Hebrew. In the Old Testament thirteen Hebrew roots, found in twenty-seven different words, are used primarily for some aspect of joy or joyful participation in religious worship.
Hebrew religious ritual demonstrates God as the source of joy. In contrast to the rituals of other faiths of the East, Israelite worship was essentially a joyous proclamation and celebration. The good Israelite regarded the act of thanking God as the supreme joy of his life. Pure joy is joy in God as both its source and object. The psalmist says, “Thou dost show me the path of life; in thy presence, there is fullness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalms 16:11)
No matter what circumstance we find ourselves in, we can find Jesus. And in Jesus, we can find joy. Today in prayer, seek the Lord in all that you do and He will give you joy.
“One filled with joy preaches without preaching.” – Mother Teresa
God’s Word: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds” – James 1:2
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