Clearly GOD’s thoughts are so far above ours, not to mention His ways! God says simple things to us and we have no idea that what is simple to Him can fry our brain cells in its intensity. A simple truth like “Rejoice always…” is easily overlooked when we have to be so serious about life.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 |
Joy seems to be something for children who are just unaware of the great matters us adults have to handle. Is it any wonder we are told by JESUS to be like them to enter into the Kingdom of GOD? (NIV MK 10:15 “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”) So what’s the Kingdom about?Righteousness, peace and ….JOY! (Rm 14:7) We are cornered by the need to be joyful!!!
Oh, we just want to get away from everything and get into the presence of GOD! But…what is in the presence of GOD? “In His presence is the fullness of JOY!!!!(Ps 16:11)
Yikes! It’s looking serious…this JOY thing. Why is GOD so persistent with it?!!!
“The joy of the LORD is my strength!” Nehemiah 8:10 It says do not grieve because the joy of the Lord is your strength! So, can we see that without the joy of the LORD we are weak and ill equipped to triumph? Never does the Bible say we are to check the status of our situation and then see if rejoicing makes sense. Actually, we choose to have JOY because we have faith in GOD that HE has great plans for us…that HIS promises are ours…that HIS Word never fails….that HE is ordering our steps…that HE will cause ALL things to work together for good for those who love HIM. If we believe, our only response is JOY! Don’t worry if the moment you choose to be joyful, you don’t feel it. Open your mouth. Confess HIS Word! Sing and make music…out of tune or in tune…season the atmosphere with praise! This is war, but not as we know it. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through GOD to the pulling down of the stronghold of the enemy!!” 2 Cor 10:14
NIV 2 Cor 10:14 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
JOY is a weapon of mass destruction! It does not make sense naturally. Who cares? Use it to dumbfound the enemy. Choose JOY and protect it! Protect your joy from assailing thoughts. Stop them in their tracks. Release your words consistently… You will rise above…You will soar…You will have a clear mind! Victory is a guarantee!!