In our world, there is so much sorrow, misery, and sadness.

We see indicators all around us that reveal to us that most people are looking for something,

anything, that can bring them true joy. In this study on joy,

Scott Pauley will take us to God's Word and help us discover the source of true, lasting joy.

And as we study the Bible together, we will find that God's joy is readily available to us

through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

You may not like today's study, I'll just tell you right up front, but it is in the Word

of God.

Today we are discussing the joy of work.

That's right, the joy of work.

Most people think of joy as connected to recreation or amusement or entertainment.

Some people think of joy as a warm, fuzzy feeling or some euphoric experience.

But I want to tell you that very often in Scripture, God connects

his joy to us simply finding what we're supposed to do and doing it. And as you do what

you're supposed to do, God gives you his joy. We take our text today from one of the early

references in Scripture to joy and rejoicing,

and interestingly enough, it's found in the book of Deuteronomy. Now, what is Deuteronomy? Deuteronomy

means second law. You'll remember that it is a book of repetition because a new generation is

preparing to go into the promised land in the book of Joshua and so God is rehearsing for them all of the

early things he had commanded the previous generation. He's

repeating himself so that they will know what he wants them to do once they

get there. And I think this is really beautiful that the law giver is not a joy stealer.

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