INTRODUCTION

Words always have associative properties with other words; the word joy is no exception. When considering a definition of joy, many people would assume it is being happy or happiness in general.  However, the Bible does not associate joy primarily with being happy. God provided another word to enable the Bible student to define the word joy. In each of the three verses in our passage, the scripture makes reference to joy, either indirectly: rejoiced (Esther 8:15And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.
See All...) or directly (Esther 8:16The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.
See All..., 17). A careful consideration will identify that joy is associated with the words glad (Esther 8:15And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.
See All...) and gladness (Esther 8:16The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.
See All..., 17). This connection is consistent throughout the Bible (Psalm 51:8Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
See All...; Psalm 105:43And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:
See All...; Isaiah 16:10And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread out no wine in their presses; I have made their vintage shouting to cease.
See All...) and is specifically connected to gladness of heart (Deuteronomy 28:47Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;
See All...; 1 Kings 8:66On the eighth day he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people.
See All...; Esther 5:9Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.
See All...).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Name some things that make you glad. We feel gladness in our hearts when we do something good for others and when we obey the rules set down by those in authority. How do you feel when you disobey?
• (For everyone): What kind of terms could be used to describe you: sorrowful or joyful? Do others find joy in spending time with you or do they become increasingly sorrowful as time continues?
• Would you say that you have gladness of heart? If not, why? What are the things or situations that hinder you from knowing the joy of the Lord?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to show you the condition of your heart.
• Ask the Lord to help you experience lasting joy.

HYMN

The Windows of Heaven

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