Pastor Cheri
PRAYER
We give you thanks Almighty Father, for your wisdom and understanding granted us as we hear and receive your Word and we receive it gladly with faith and meekness, in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full (John 16:24).
The scripture above 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)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23).
Joy is one of the products of your recreated human spirit. 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).
BE FULL OF JOY ALWAYS
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.
SOME EXPRESSIONS OF JOY
1. Laughter is an expression of joy.
Job 8:21: “He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.
2. Praising God—being exultant and exuberant with praise to Him—is an expression of joy.
Psalm 98:4: “Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!”
3. Singing songs of praise in thanksgiving is an expression of joy.
Isaiah 55:12: “You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!”
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. Generate and release joy and excitement from inside you—always.
Our spirit-filled life is one of indescribable joy, irrespective of circumstances. The Word declares, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).
Study these scriptures:
John 16:24, Romans 14:17, James 1:2, Nehemiah 12:43, Galatians 5:22