“A JOYFUL HEART MAKES A CHEERFUL FACE, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.” (Prov. 15:13)
After a life of addictions and much anger the Lord blessed me with a VERY JOYFUL HEART, much greater joy than I EVER KNEW EXISTED. It must have shown because people asked me “What has happened to you?” It was then that I knew that the Joy of the Lord was indeed my strength! When we would sing that song: “The Joy of The Lord is my Strength.” I would just sing and cry because I knew then, it’s not what you smoke, snort or drink that gives you joy but what you receive by faith, in your heart!!! Thank you Lord that…
“In Your presence is FULLNESS OF JOY; In Your right hand, there are pleasures forever.” (Psa. 16:11)
This awesome joy has been with me, in me, now for 45 years but of course because of my growing intimacy with my Abba Father, it has EVEN BECOME MORE INTENSE. I’ll never forget what a sister in the Lord shared with me as a new convert, she said: “All this enthusiasm you have will soon wear off and you’ll be just like the rest of us.” I thank God that He has kept me enthused!!! Jesus said:
“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that YOUR JOY MAY BE MADE FULL.” (John 15:11)
Wow, the Joy of Jesus – IN US – what an awesome promise! That’s why we have fulness of joy! Let’s allow that joy to be contagious, so everyone we encounter will become INFECTED WITH JOY!
“…the kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and JOY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.” (Rom. 14:17)
Dear Lord, let our joy spill out on everyone we meet…Bill Stockham