Be Strengthened In The Lord's Joy

Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. Psalm 21:6 (NIV) 

As a young teen I became a born again child of God. The very first thing I felt when Jesus came into my heart was an overwhelming joy. Joy is a spiritual force. It goes beyond feelings into a deep spiritual power that flows from within. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Galatians 5:22 (NIV) 

That joy was the first fruit of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in my life. When I think about the times when I have foolishly quenched the Spirit of God the one thing I could be sure was missing would be that fruit called joy. 

You need not sin or act foolishly to quench the Spirit of joy in your life. Focusing, feeding on negativity, allowing scorn, sarcasm, thinking about the worst rather than the best things and times of your life can kill your joy. It is no wonder that God's people are so weak and exhausted, for when you quench your joy you lose your strength. 

We must be mindful and wary of the joy-killing things that surround us. Negative, pessimistic news and conversations, arguing about politics, endless complaining and griping—such things are joy-killers. 

One need not be Pollyannaish and deny the problems or challenges we face daily. Yet you have a choice each day to follow and feed joy or to quench the Spirit with negativity. Joy is a spiritual decision and force that has nothing to do with pure emotion. If you wait to "feel" joy it will be a rare experience for you. But if you choose to allow the Holy Spirit to bear fruit in your life, if you will meditate upon God's word and the wonderful promises found there, and finally, if you will remember Jesus and all He has done for you—joy will be the result. 

Joy may not come easy for you, especially if you are constantly or chronically ill. Yet I would argue that you need the spiritual force of joy that brings strength, even more than those who go through life with few afflictions. Choose joy, and call upon the Holy Spirit to fill you with that godly fruit. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, each day we face negativity. There are so many joy-stealers around us. Help us Lord to allow Your Spirit to fill us with joy and to walk in Your strength and presence always. Amen. 

Karlton Douglas 

Copyright 2017