May 9

Joy where Christ reigns

“These things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves” (John 17:13).
“In thy presence is fulness of joy” (Psa. 16:11).

The filling of the Holy Ghost will bring us joy and fullness of joy. The fullness of the Spirit must crowd out pain, doubt, fear, and sorrow, and bring the joy of Christ to fill our being. What is it makes the melody in an organ? It is not the touch of skillful fingers only on the keys, but it is the filling of the pipes by the movement of the pedals. I may try in vain to play the most skillful tune, unless the organ is filled; and so our songs of praise are dead and cold until the breath of God fills all the channels of our being. Then comes the heart-song of praise and the overflowing fountain of gladness.
—A. B. Simpson.

Where Jesus reigns there’s joy untold;
There’s wealth that’s richer far than gold;
There’s service glad and courage true;
There’s power to be, and strength to do;
There’s sacrifice and sweet content;
There’s grace divine and mercy sent;
There’s triumph over self and sin;
And blessed peace abides within;
There’s truest faith that seldom wanes;
There’s love supreme where Jesus reigns;
Are these all found, dear heart, in you?

Not to be a Christian costs the sacrifice of the highest, deepest, purest, holiest, most overflowing joy that can be known right here on earth.

The only way to be constantly happy is to be constantly looking to and coming to a Crucified Savior; renouncing all our own worth; cleaving to Him for all; giving up everything that clashes with our fidelity to Him; receiving from His fullness “grace upon grace”; relying on His every promise, and guarding against aught that might for a moment bring distance and darkness between our souls and our Lord.
—Samuel Pearce.

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