THE POWER OF A JOYFUL HEART

THE POWER OF A JOYFUL HEART
Monday, 8th January 2024
Pastor Victor

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy.........

The word “joy” in our opening scripture is from the Greek word “chara” which according to Thayer means joy, gladness, the cause or occasion of joy. Strong defines it as cheerfulness, calm delight, gladness, be exceeding joyful etc. Hallelujah!

Joy is different from happiness. Happiness is as a result something good that has happened to you or some good news you might have received; or a raise at work or business advancement.

Joy is primarily a product of your recreated human spirit, independent of external circumstances. Joy doesn’t depend on outward situations. This is why some one who is in trouble can be excited when there is nothing in the natural that warrants that excitement. Scripture even admonishes us to be joyful in tribulations.

The power of joy is incredible. A merry heart is medicine. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” A joyful heart is medicine to your body. Depression can lead to all kinds of diseases. Sorrowfulness of heart can cause high blood pressure. But joy is medicine to your body. Resist every form of depression; it is the devil out there to destroy you.

Joy gives a cheerful countenance. Proverbs 15:13 says, “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” Joy in the heart of a man brightens his countenance. Joy is strength. Nehemiah 8:10 says “...for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Thus the moment you lose your joy, you are finished. You’ve got to keep your joy no matter what happens.

Joy keeps you going during tribulation times. Habakkuk 3:17‭-‬19 says, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord , I will joy in the God of my salvation. Praise God!

You can actually draw this joy from the scriptures. As you meditate on God’s word, rejoice over those beautiful promises and the joy in you will come alive. May the joy of the Lord remain strong in you in the name of Jesus Christ.

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