Thursday, July 6, 2023
ALWAYS FULL OF JOY – Pastor Chris
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full (John 16:24).
Our opening scripture reveals the heart of the Father and His desire for us: He wants your joy to be full always! That’s because being joyful is very important in the Kingdom of God. The Bible says “A joyful, cheerful heart brings healing to both body and soul…” (Proverbs 17:22 TPT).
Therefore, it makes no difference what happens around you or the situations you face; exude joy; rejoice evermore. The beautiful part is that our joy is of the Holy Spirit, and therefore, independent of circumstances: “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17).
We’re full of joy even in the face of adversities and persecution: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2). That means no room for frustration in your life; no room for anger, sadness, or bitterness. Only the joy of the Lord is expressed and manifested through you. When others see you, they see joy: joy unspeakable and full of glory.
The Bible tells us about the children of Israel that their joy was heard afar off as they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced after rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem: “Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off” (Nehemiah 12:43).
Their joy was heard afar off! That tells us joy has expressions. Laughter is an expression of joy. Praising God—being exultant and exuberant with praise to Him—is an expression of joy. Singing songs of praise in thanksgiving is an expression of joy.
Give no place to gloom in your life. In spite of the terrible things happening in the world today, be full of joy every day. Joy is one of the products of your recreated human spirit (Galatians 5:22). Therefore, generate and release joy and excitement from inside you—always.
()
CONFESSION
I’m exuberant with praise, expressing joy unspeakable and full of glory, because the joy of the Lord is my strength. My joy is independent of circumstances; it comes from my inner man and transcends physical circumstances. Glory to God!
FURTHER STUDY: Isaiah 12:3; Galatians 5:22; 1 Peter 1:7-8
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Acts 18:1-23 & Job 9-11
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Luke 7:1-10 & Deuteronomy 34
