KEY SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4:4 KJV” Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again, I say, Rejoice”.

 The joy of the child of God is the sorrow of the devil. For joy always mocks the devil. Joy is the sunshine of the spirit. The word of God enjoins us to rejoice always. The joy of the Lord is our strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) There is a difference between being joyful and being happy. Happiness is an excitement due to an admirable event. Joy is an excitement based on what God has said. It is an act of the spirit expressing confidence in God. This is the reason the scripture says we must rejoice always. Joy is based on acknowledging the promises of God as a done deal.

Apostle James counsels all Christians to count it all joy when they encounter diverse kinds of temptations. Temptation in this context is a trial brought your way by the devil. His motive is to cause you to be sad, sorrowful and accuse God. Job 1:11 KJV” But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face “. Satan’s expectation for bringing all the trouble is to make you accuse God. Rejoicing in times of trials is a form of mockery you make of the devil. It is a way of exalting God, for His ever-abiding goodness, irrespective of what may be happening. One can truly rejoice in such moments if his love for God is intact. Love’s response in difficult times is joy.

In Acts chapter 16, we read of Apostle Paul and Silas, who cast out the spirit of divination from a girl. This girl’s business for her masters had come to an end, as a result. They arrested them, laid stripes on them, put their hands and feet in stocks in a dungeon. These men instead of sorrowing or complaining over their plight, rather burst into prayer and large praises. The Lord expressed His approval to their action, by causing an earthquake and breaking the chains that held them bound. Joy would always destroy Satan’s attacks and set you free. Joy is medicine to the whole body. Pro 17:22 KJV” A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones”. Maintain your joy always. Sing psalms making melody in your heart always unto the Lord.

CONFESSION

I Rejoice always. My heart is excited over the certainty of God’s promises and I make melody in my heart to praise and exalt the Lord. May His holy name be praised forever more Amen.

FURTHER STUDIES

Proverbs 15:15 KJV “All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast”.

Proverbs 15:13 KJV A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.