There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happy feelings are determined by your happenings, but joy, real joy is a state of being. It is a declaration! It is a destination with determination. It is there even when you are not aware of its presence. Psalm 16:11 says, “…In Thy presence there is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Now that we know where it is located, how do we access it? The Apostle Paul instructed, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.” Philippians 4:4 It is a re-work that is repeated over and over. You have to rejoice until your “feeler” comes in line with your “knower.” If you are weary today, get into God’s presence and begin to rejoice. “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord…” Psalm 100:1
Nehemiah 8:10
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
Joy is like a well containing water. It is not enough to know it is there or even to drill the well. If the water is to be useful, it must be brought to the surface. If you don’t draw from the well, the joy will remain buried. Rejoicing brings joy to the surface. It is the life jacket that keeps you from drowning in your troubles.
- Recognize Jesus Christ as the source of joy. “…God is my strength and my song…Therefore with joy will you draw water from the wells of salvation.” Isaiah 12:2-3 (AMP)
- Don’t allow anything to steal your joy. The loss of joy will drain you of your strength. While in a prison cell, not knowing if he would be beheaded or acquitted, the Apostle Paul maintained his joy. Discover his secret in Philippians, chapter 4.
- Change the atmosphere. Joy is listed as one of the nine fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22. Cultivate it. Refuse to stay sad. Exercise your faith in God’s faithfulness. When hope emerges, joy appears.
“I will rejoice in You and be in high spirits; I will sing praise to Your name, oh Most High.” Psalm 9:2 (AMP)
