JOY
JOY
Happiness is a wonderful experience for mental and emotional well-being. But it’s merely an offshoot of joy, and although they’re often used interchangeably, joy runs far deeper into the recesses of the human spirit.
Joy is listed for us in Galatians 5:22 as one of the fruits or outworkings of the recreated human spirit. It is therefore independent of situations and circumstances unlike happiness which is more dependent on external factors.
Joy is the confident assurance of God’s love for you; a catalyst that produces inner strength necessary for your everyday walk with the Lord. This is why Ezra enjoined God’s people to be joyful because in spite of their past, the Lord still loved them and was willing to rebuild and restore them. Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV) declares: “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength”
Joy is a necessary component for our walk with the Lord, work for the Lord and our holy war. It is where our true strength comes from, which is why the Apostle Paul admonished in scripture that we be ever joyful (1 Thessalonians 5:16, Philippians 4:4).
Additionally, joy is a sign of our victory. In rounding off the month of June, we prevailed -through several days of dedicated prayer and fasting- against the evil structures set up against God’s will and the course of the gospel in the nations of the world – our joy stems from this victory!
This month of July, express joy everywhere you go and manifest it in every situation that concerns you. Set your heart on God’s love for you; sing praises to Him and share testimonies of His love. Continue in prayer, celebrate your victories in Christ, being mindful that the scripture declares in 1 Peter 1:8…”Though you have not seen Him, you love Him: and even though you do not see Him now, you believe him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy”
Have a Joyful month July!
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