[Spiritual joy, is strengthened with a constant dependence upon our Abba Father, along with meekness of mind, and gentleness of spirit, is a powerful means of strengthening the soul. With such a state of mind, every responsibility is achievable, and pleasant to do. This joy also causes the general health of the body to be much improved; a cheerful heart is not only a continuous feast, but also a continual medicine.]
“…Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH.” (Neh. 8:10)
[Let every righteous soul rejoice and glory, AND LET IT BE TO THE LORD!]
“Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but he who trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on the Lord SHALL BE COMPASSED ABOUT WITH MERCY AND WITH LOVING-KINDNESS. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; SHOUT FOR JOY, ALL YOU UPRIGHT IN HEART!” (Psa. 32:10-11)
[Our Abba Father reminds us that IT IS HE who brings us comfort and great joy, NO MATTER WHAT WE MAY BE FACING!]
“Awake, awake, arm of the LORD, clothe yourself with strength…Was it not you who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea so that the redeemed might cross over? Those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; EVERLASTING JOY WILL CROWN THEIR HEADS. GLADNESS AND JOY WILL OVERTAKE THEM, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. “I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass, that you forget THE LORD YOUR MAKER…” (Isa. 51:9-13)
[No matter what kind of situation we may be facing, we can face it knowing that the Lord is pleased to bless us with the wonderful JOY OF THE LORD!]
“For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that HE HAS CHOSEN YOU, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. YOU BECAME IMITATORS OF US AND OF THE LORD, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering WITH THE JOY GIVEN BY THE HOLY SPIRIT.” (1 Thess. 1:4-6)
ABBA FATHER, YOU HAVE BLESSED US WITH EVERLASTING JOY!
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that:
EVERLASTING JOY WILL CROWN OUR HEADS. GLADNESS AND JOY WILL OVERTAKE US!
-Bill Stockham