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  THE LORD HAD MADE THEM JOYFUL, AND TURNED
  by F.B. Meyer
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Summary: F.B. Meyer emphasizes the power of God to influence hearts and
the importance of joy and gratitude in the life of believers.

Topics: "God's Sovereignty", "The Joy of the Lord"
Scripture References: Genesis 39:21, Exodus 3:21, Deuteronomy 16:15, Ezra 6:22, Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 126:3, Proverbs 21:1, Daniel 1:9, John 15:11, Jude 1:24

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DESCRIPTION
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F.B. Meyer emphasizes that God has the power to turn the hearts of men,
as demonstrated in the lives of biblical figures like Joseph, Moses, and
Daniel. He encourages believers to seek God's glory and will in their
requests, trusting that God can influence even those in positions of
power on their behalf. Meyer reminds us to embrace the joy that God
provides, urging us not to fear expressing our happiness, as it is a
reflection of God's blessings. He highlights that joy is a divine gift
meant to be celebrated, and that we should rejoice in all the good
things God gives us.

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CONTENT
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The Lord had made them joyful, and turned

the heart of the King unto them. Ezra vi. 22.

YES, the hearts of men are in the hands of God, and He can turn them
whither He will. There are many instances of this in Scripture. God gave
Joseph favour with Pharaoh; Moses with the Princess; and Daniel with the
King of Babylon. If certain matters can only be settled by reference to
great men, kings or men of affairs, make the application; and then
betake yourself to prayer, believing that as He inclined the heart of
Darius, in the instance before us, so He can do as He will among the
armies of heaven, and the inhabitants of earth.

That unkind overseer, that vexatious member of your home‑circle,
that great man whose help you so greatly need ‑‑ these are
accessible to God's Spirit, if only you are intent on seeking his glory,
and doing his will. But you must be able to show, as these Jews could,
that your cause is identical with the cause of God, before you can
claim, with unwavering faith, his interference on your behalf.

Then when the answer comes, let us thank Him, separating ourselves still
further from the filthiness around us, so as to keep the feast with joy.
Do not be afraid of joy; when God makes you joyful, do not think it
necessary to restrain your songs or smiles, for fear that an equivalent
of sorrow will presently be meted out as a make‑weight. Our
blessed Lord was desirous that his joy might be in his Disciples; it was
for the joy that was set before Him that He endured the cross, despising
the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God; it is
with exceeding joy that He will present us faultless before the presence
of his glory. "Thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy
God giveth thee."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/fb-meyer/the-lord-had-made-them-joyful-and-turned/
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