THE GIFT OF JOY

Barbara E. Perkins

THE GIFT OF JOY
Joy is a part of the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23) and we receive it when we become born again, when we confess Jesus as our Savior and Lord. Unlike happiness, joy is not influenced by our circumstances.
In Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) the word of God declares, “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” How do we get joy? Get saved, filled with the Holy Spirit, and stay in God’s presence. How do we stay in God’s presence? The Prophet Jeremiah tells us how! Jeremiah 15:16 records, “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.” We stay in God’s presence by feasting on His word daily. Why is it so important to feast on God’s word daily? Nehemiah tells us why! In Nehemiah 8:10, God’s leader and the governor of His people encouraged them during a period of tremendous adversity with the following words: “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.” Having joy in the Lord gives us the strength we need to be overcomers, especially when we are under attack. This strength comes from God as a result of reading, studying and mediating His word on a regular basis. Then we say what God says about our circumstances: “…Fear not…“ (Is. 43:1-3). …By Whose (Jesus’) stripes you were healed…” (1Pet. 2:24). “…The seed of the righteous shall be delivered” (Prov. 11:21). “…We shall not bring forth children for trouble; for they shall be descendants of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them. It shall come to pass that before they call I (God) will answer; and while they are still speaking I will hear” (Is. 23, 24). “And my God shall supply all your need…” (Phil. 4:19). “…I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you…” (Is. 48:17). “No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper…” (Is. 54:17). Resulting in: It’s joy unspeakable and full of glory!