Nehemiah 8: 10
There is enough reason not to be joyful today in the present world but we have to be joyful because the joy of the Lord is our strength. There is a lot of pain, betrayal, and atrocities today. Joy is an emotion even as sadness is an emotion. Joy is a fruit of the spirit. The situation may not be comfortable but the joy of the Lord can over-shadow it. Happiness depends on happening but joy comes from within. Happiness is external but joy is a product of information.
Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of every detail of your life. Joy is the confidence that ultimately, everything will work for your good. It might not look like it now. Joy is the choice to praise God your situation notwithstanding. The main difference between joy and happiness is that happiness is as a result of happening but joy is a choice. It is very difficult for the enemy to penetrate a joyful person.
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Some Enemies of Joy
The Thief: John 10: 10
Anxiety: Worry, where would I go from here? I am getting old and yet I am not married, I have not gotten this job. What should I do? You are afraid and worried. Anxiety can be caused by pressure, stress. Everything you see today has happened before. History will always repeat itself.
Holding on to a negative past: Holding on to hurts, injuries, betrayals, negative past. Let the pain and the betrayal go. Let those mistakes and errors of the past go.
How do I Choose Joy?
Through His word: The word of God brings good news, life and hope. Believe the word of God irrespective of the current situation. When men are casting down, to you, there shall be a lifting. If God says you are big, then no force of hell can keep you small.
Through Faith:
By letting it go: let the betrayal, anger, hurt and hurt go. If you let them go, then joy will come. Hatred and bitterness can keep a man always in the past. Let it go and joy will fill your heart.
1Thess 1:5-16 – Joy keeps your body healthy. Pro 17: 22 – a joyful heart is a medicine. John 16:33 – we have overcome the world, hence we have to rejoice. When your focus is on the goodness of God and his word, it is impossible for depression to come your way – Jer 15: 16. In Isaiah 61:10, the Bible says I will greatly rejoice in the Lord. God removes the ugly past and cloths you with the garment of joy. The joy of the Lord produces strength that gives the ability to work for God. 1 Peter 1:8, everything about redemption forbids depression, that is why we have to be joyful. The presence of God produces joy. Joy is one of the fruits of the spirit. The will of God in redemption is not to take away your joy but to give you abundant joy. Joy restores us by the Holy Spirit – Isa 40:29. As we stand in faith with God, we gain power. Joy shifts our heart to a position of worship irrespective of the situation we are facing. We are able to witness with joy.
Joy is a by-product of a life that pleases God. If we live and walk by the spirit, then the spirit will grow and yield its fruits in our heart. Discovering the Lord’s joy is a secret to prevailing prayer. The joy of the Lord restores. Joy gives honor among men and makes us shine.
God bless you!