The Blessing of God-Given Joy

 … for the LORD made them joyful. Ezra 6:22

The people who had returned from captivity had reason to rejoice, for they had separated themselves from the impurities of the nations around them to seek the LORD God of Israel and had kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the restored temple of God. Their joy was genuine because the LORD had made them joyful. There is no happier person than the one whom the LORD makes joyful. The joy given by God is real, lasting, and unchanging, unaffected by circumstances. The joy given by others is merely an imitation and is not permanent.

The LORD makes His people joyful with the miracle of the forgiveness of sins, with His amazing love and mercy, with the wonders of His Word, and with the blessings He grants each day.

Blessed are those whom the LORD makes joyful.

From my diary,

August 24, 2024