Joy & Happiness

The Soul In Any State – John Newton

A soul may be in as thriving a state when thirsting, seeking and mourning after the Lord as when actually rejoicing in Him; as much in earnest when fighting in the valley as when singing upon the mount.

– John Newton –

To God, of God, for God – Augustine

There is a joy which is not given to the ungodly, but to those who love Thee for Thine own sake, whose joy Thou Thyself art. And this is the happy life, to rejoice to Thee, of Thee, for Thee.

– Augustine –

Joy is Found in Self-Abandonment – Elisabeth Elliot

The world looks for happiness through self-assertion. The Christian knows that joy is found in self-abandonment. “If a man will let himself be lost for My sake,” Jesus said, “he will find his true self.”

– Elisabeth Elliot –

Everyone Was Happy – Richard Wurmbrand

It was strictly forbidden to preach to other prisoners. It was understood that whoever was caught doing this received a severe beating. A number of us decided to pay the price for the privilege of preaching, so we accepted their [the communists’] terms. It was a deal; we preached and they beat us. We were happy preaching. They were happy beating us, so everyone was happy.

– Richard Wurmbrand –
from Tortured for Christ

Give God Praise – Charles Spurgeon

Never think little of praise, since holy angels and saints made perfect count it their lifelong joy. Even the Lord Himself said, “Whoso offereth praise, glorifieth me” (Psalms 50:23).

– Charles Spurgeon –
from Spurgeon on Praise

God is a Rewarder of Them that Seek Him – Ralph Venning

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
(Hebrews 11:6 ESV)

He is a rewarder of them that seek him; they shall not seek in vain, if they seek in truth.

– Ralph Venning –
from Learning in Christ’s School, 1675