Text: Romans 5:1-2
One thing we must know about the joy of the lord is that it is a magnifier. It amplifies what you have. Sadness or sorrow on the other hand capitalizes on what you think you don't have and ampliffes your lack of it until all the other things that you have don't matter. Joy helps you realize how blessed you are. Joy is an eye opener.
We must know that our rejoicing is not based on whatever is happening around us. Joy is an expression of love, which is the fruit of the Spirit. What this means is that whatever happens, we cannot but rejoice. This is who we are . "What if I don't feel like rejoicing?" Let's look at it this way: if you sometimes don't feel like praying, but you still pray, then you should be able to rejoice even and especially when you don't feel like it. Even when you have no external motivation to rejoice, do it! Doing this brings your mind to the consciousness that the Spirit is in control, not your emotions, feelings or the circumstances around you.
Why does scripture say "the joy of the lord is my strength" It is because joy is an energy booster! Glory to God! Sadness keeps you weighed down, it keeps you wallowing. It drains you of whatever energy you have and because you can't see beyond whatever you're going through, it basically keeps you stuck in that situation.
Joy refreshes you! It keeps you going no matter what! Joy helps you see beyond the present! Hallelujah! Glory to God! Joy helps you to stay grateful, not necessarily because you have all that you want, but because in fact, not getting everything you want is a reason to be grateful. We must train ourselves to see the good in all things and rejoice about it. There's always something to rejoice about.
It will not always be easy to rejoice always. As a matter of fact, it makes no logical sense to dance and laugh when you should be crying, but then, we are not natural men, so our response to things cannot be natural! We are instructed to rejoice again and again (See Philippians 4:4). Yes, it is an instruction that should be obeyed. Intentionally make the decision to respond to all situations with joy. Sing, jump, laugh, just rejoice! Glory!
STUDY THIS: Psalm 32:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16, Romans 12:12
DECLARE THIS: I choose joy always! Nothing weighs me down, nothing throws me off balance! The joy of the lord is my strength, I am grateful in all things and for all things. Glory!
SING ALONG: With Joy by Dunsin Oyemade