The Joy of the Lord

The joy of the Lord is not a passing feeling of bliss or an on and off roller-coaster ride high. But it is sustainable inner happiness that is always present even when faced with hardship and turmoils of life. It is not joy today and unhappiness tomorrow. It’s a deep-rooted feeling that comes from the strength found in the presence of God.

More than we can understand God wants us to be happy. He wants the best for us. The bible says in Jeremiah 29:11 KJV, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Jesus said in Matthew 7:11 KJV “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” And joy is a good gift.

Live a joyful life

God wants us to live a joyful life. A life that is totally dependent on him. He is our joy and the source of our strength. Joy will grow wherever it is planted, it can outlast any adversities and overcome all fears. God is love and joy is found in his presence. Those who stay in his presence will always be joyful. Misery, anxiety, fear, unbelief, and other joy killers have to flee his presence.

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”

Romans 15:13 KJV

Joy is our birthright, but too many Christians are living a joyless life. Bogged down by the cares of the world. Why? Because many refuse to remember that, we are in this world but not of this world, (see John 14:16). Conforming to worldly standards will sap our strength and steal our joy. The joy is available and attainable but it is up to us to seek it with our whole hearts. The Holy Spirit will guide us and sustain our joy in the Lord.

Rejoice in the joy of the Lord

David, a man after God’s heart, sang songs, danced, meditate on God’s word, and encouraged himself to stay saturated in the joy of the Lord.

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”

Philippians 4:4 KJV

The Christian life is not one filled with gloom and despair, sadness and darkness. But it radiates the light of God, and emits a glow, and comes with a feeling of peace and joy like none other. It is the guaranteed of a glorious future, a hope of glory, and eternal life in Christ Jesus.

The goal is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and the things that are eternal.

You can have joy no matter what the circumstances. You can be happy today and sad tomorrow, depending on your situation and the things that are happening in your life. But joy is forever, joy stays strong despite dark clouds and uncertainty.

“The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:17 KJV

Joy is eternal

Joy is a state of being and radiates from deep within. It’s an inner connection to the heart, mind, soul, and body. Joy flows from the living water within and runs much deeper than happiness. Joy is not unnerved by anything.

We have to do our part to keep this joy. How do we maintain our joy? By living a godly life that exhibits the fruit of the spirit. Live holy according to the words found in the bible and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. Paul reminded us in Romans not to be conformed to this world but to renew our minds.

Letting go of hatred, bitterness, and unforgiveness will allow love, peace, harmony, and joy to come in.

Joy allows us to look beyond present circumstances and know without a doubt that it is all working together for our good and God’s glory. This reassurance allows us to enjoy joy and peace despite how things look.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalms 46:1 KJV).

Joy in the presence of God

Live a joyful life. A happy joyful life will attract the presence of the mighty God. When you attract the presence of God then you are in a position to hear from him and receive his direction for your life.

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

Psalms 16:11 KJV

Spend time with God in prayer, fasting, and worship to get more of him. Remember the bible says in his presence there is fullness of joy. So there is no way we can stay in his presence and be unhappy and joyless.

The joy of the Lord is our strength. (See Nehemiah 8:10)

Live a life of purpose and divine fulfillment, by staying joyful. A joyful person is thankful and always has a heart of gratitude.

“Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.”

Psalms 89:15 KJV

The enemy wants to steal your joy in the Lord

Depression should not be our portion. Downness and depression, dreariness, and anxiety should be far from us. Joy is sustained by the presence of God. So we just need to do all that we can to invite the constant presence of God into our lives.

Unhappiness is an attack on our joy and peace. Lack of joy also deters the anointing of God. And we need the anointing to function and break the yoke of bondage that the enemy so often tries to use against us.

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;” Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

James 1:2-3 KJV

The enemy will do all that he can to stop our joy. He knows if he can keep us occupied with the trouble and cares of the world then we will not have peace of mind, and no peace of mind means no joy.  His plans are to steal, kill and destroy. Once we are aware of his tactics then we can overcome him.

Satan will bring troubles and trials, evil people, and bad influences to steal our joy. But don’t let anyone steal your joy in the Lord. Because it is a divine connection to God and the Holy Ghost.

Satan desires to sift us as wheat but Jesus has already prayed for us. So take courage.

No faking joy

We cannot feel low and then fly high. Sometimes we might try to disguise our feeling and fake it, but if we are true to ourselves high and low is opposite and cannot go together.

We need our spirit to be in tune with the Holy Ghost and this requires a place of joy. At this place, we can get direction for our lives.

The anointing of the Holy Spirit is needed to make a difference in our lives. The anointing is tied to joy, joy to the presence of God, and the presence of God tied to the direction for our destiny.

Some are tormented and frustrated looking everywhere for joy. Anxiously searching but the bible says in Philippians 4:6, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” So ask God for his joy.

How to stay joyful:

Be in constant worship.

Read and meditate on the word of God.

Be positive, think positive.

Don’t sweat the small things.

Have a heart of gratitude.

Listen to inspirational music.

Laugh more often.

Smile more often.

Practice self-control.

Help others.

Prayer for the joy of the Lord

Father, I come to you in Jesus’ name. I thank you that your joy is my strength. Lord, please help me to be joyful always. Father, please turn all my mourning and sorrow to gladness. Father help me to rejoice in you and your words always. Lord, please give me a desire to be in your presence because in your presence there is fullness of joy. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.