JOY! What an amazing word in the life of a Christian. Joy, the gladness of heart that comes from loving the Lord, whom we have not seen, yet we believe. And in believing, we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
The Bible tells us that Philip the evangelist preached Christ in the city of Samaria and crowds listened intently to what he had to say because of the miracles he did. Many evil spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city. The gospel of Jesus Christ still brings great joy. The new birth is the greatest miracle any of us will experience. Jesus tells us that there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. How awesome! A repentant sinner coming to the Lord causes joy in heaven as well as in the earth realm. For those of us who are in the family of God, the joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh. 8:10).
We are overcomers. We are the victors and not victims. We will not entertain the “victim mentality.” As the people of God, we are assured that this joy we have is not contingent upon circumstances, life’s experiences, people that we know or don’t know or any such thing. The word of God declares: Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away (Isaiah 51:11).
We Americans are big-time “bottom line” people. Well, here is the bottom line concerning joy. The Lord is the source of our joy! David, the sweet Psalmist of Israel, states that fact this way: Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:11).
Be blessed.
Pastor J. Amos Jones
