Joy! And How to Get It

Joy! And How to Get It
Nehemiah 12:27-47

Pastor Terry Wilcox

The “celebrate joyfully” of verse 27 from the Hebrew is for gaiety, mirth, pleasure, and delight.

When the Alexa on my desk said, “Happy Friday, Terry,” I almost said, “Thank you!”

Observations:

1. Their focus was on God.  Nehemiah 12:27
   If you want joy, learn to worship.

2. Holiness precedes happiness. Nehemiah 12:30
   I John 1:9, Acts 3:19

3. Joyful people are servants. Nehemiah 12:38
   Fifty-two days earlier there was no wall to dedicate. 

   I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know; the only ones among you who will really be happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” -Dr. Albert Schweitzer

4. You can have joy regardless of your circumstances.

How Can We Have Joy?

1. Know you have received God’s gift of salvation and eternal life.
   Luke 10:20, John 3:36, I John 5:13

2. Surrender to the control of the Holy Spirit.
   Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 5:18-19
   Joy is a by-product of God in us.

3. Give and serve. Nehemiah 12:44
   II Corinthians 9:6-15

4. His Word produces joy.  I John 1:4
   Genesis 1:27-29, Habakkuk 1:5, Psalm 103:11-12, Jeremiah 31:34b

Personal Notes