Rejoicing in sufferings: Romans 5:1-5 By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.
There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
Ask that our joy my be full: John 16:23-24 This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!
Receive his joy: John 15:11 I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature.
Our prospect is joy: Proverbs 10:28 The aspirations of good people end in celebration;
the ambitions of bad people crash.
Joy for promoters of peace: Proverbs 12:20 Evil scheming distorts the schemer;
peace-planning brings joy to the planner.
Rejoice all the time: Philippians 4:4-5 Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!