The Joy Of The Lord

We know God is in control of all things happening in our lives. He always does good to those who love Him. On seeing the end result, let us live a life of joy.

When we go through trying times, we can come out victoriously because Jesus has overcome the world. We can be of good cheer when we are confident that Jesus knows the end from the beginning.

John 16:33 (AMPC): "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident certain undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]"

1 Corinthians 15:57 (AMPC): "But thanks be to God Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Will God look at us as a defeated person? No. In fact, He will be by our side to fight for us. If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31 (NKJV): "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

The world didn’t give us joy, so the world cannot take it away. True joy finds its source in God.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NKJV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Philippians 4:4 (NKJV): "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!"

How and where can we experience this joy of the Lord?

Joy due to salvation:

• Psalm 13:5 (NKJV): "But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation."

• Isaiah 12:3 (NKJV): "Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation."

• Psalm 51:11 (NKJV): "Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me."

To remain in joy, we need to abide in His love:

John 15:11 (NKJV): "These things I have spoken to you that My joy may remain in you and that your joy may be full."

His Word bestows joy unto us:

John 17:13 (NKJV): "But now I come to You and these things I speak in the world that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves."

We often hear two different voices, i.e., Jesus or the devil. The voice of Jesus gives life, whereas the devil’s voice brings grief, sorrow, doubt, discouragement, and fear. Which voice are we listening to?

Jeremiah 15:16 (NKJV): "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts."

In the parable of the sower (Mark 4:13–19), Satan comes immediately to take away the Word that was sown in people’s hearts. The more we listen to the Word, the deeper the Word can take root in our hearts, and the more we can experience joy.

His presence bestows joy:

• Psalm 16:11 (NKJV): "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

• Matthew 18:20 (NKJV): "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

• Psalm 22:3 (NKJV): "But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel."

The joy of the Lord is found in the presence of God. Thanksgiving and praise are the products of joy (Psalm 100:1–5). In the presence of God, there is fullness of joy. Wealth can never give this joy.

Psalm 4:5–8 (NKJV): "Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. There are many who say, 'Who will show us any good?' Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased. I will both lie down in peace and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."

Joy in giving:

• Galatians 6:2 (NKJV): "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

• 2 Corinthians 8:2 (NKJV): "that in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality."

• 2 Corinthians 9:7–9 (NKJV): "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: 'He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.'

Joy in the Holy Spirit:

• Romans 14:17 (NKJV): "for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

• Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law."

Conclusion

Be on the lookout for some of the signs that we may be losing joy: constant grumbling, complaining, getting angry, and getting discouraged.

Remember that we are constantly in a spiritual warfare:

Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."

But the joy of the Lord shall be our strength:

Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV): "Then he said to them, 'Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"

Jesus wants us to have the fullness of joy. It takes a full tank of joy to defeat the devil. Don’t lose the joy. And don’t allow the level of joy to diminish. The decision is ours to rejoice in the Lord always.