You Can Always Be Joyful

We don’t usually equate joy with adversity. Yet God says to “rejoice always.” Where does joy come in when we consider the loss of a job, the cost of housing, food, gas, or clothes for the kids? Surely, God would never expect us to be joyful when we are faced with trials? Where does joy fit in when families are falling apart, or your children are faced with divorce? How are we to find joy in the midst of these things?  

As Christians, our first response may be to go to friends in church or to our family for comfort. How often is our first thought to pray for joy? We know that when King David was discouraged, he encouraged himself with songs and praises. He sang to the Lord. This brought him into a place of joy. 

Before Christ gave Himself to be crucified, He went to pray. He said, “Now I am coming to You; I say these things while I am still in the world so that My joy be made full and complete in them (that they may experience My delight… (John 17:13 AMP) Jesus drew on joy for strength. So can we! “He, for the joy (of obtaining the prize) that was set before Him, endured the cross.” (Heb 12:2b) 

 Where did Jesus’ joy come from? His joy was based upon His experience with the Father. This relationship grew His faith. He had an assurance that His purpose would be fulfilled. Even though He struggled in His flesh, He still had a deep inner knowing of the love of the Father, a relationship built on love and trust. 

The desire of Christ is for us to have real joy, exuberant joy, extreme, unrestrained, enthusiastic, flamboyant, and fruitful joy! Rom. 14:17 says the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy. 

When we feel weak, joy makes us strong. “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” (Neh. 8:1) The joy that comes from God by the Holy Spirit gives us energy, power, and motivation.  

When I was told I had cancer, I was the sole support of my two daughters, 7 and 13. I was in dire straits, had only one income, no family support, and was facing big bills. I was desperate. I went from prayer meeting to prayer meeting. I spoke to my pastor and friends at church. None of them gave me any answers. I needed a word from God.  

The night before surgery, I cried out to the Lord. I asked God to lead me by his word. He was faithful! The Holy Spirit spoke to me. Joy sprang up in my heart. I began to laugh with laughter that came from deep within. True joy was flowing out of me. It produced a confidence that God was with me; that He had already defeated my enemy. I knew the devil was defeated and had no power over me. God took me through surgery and weeks of unpleasant treatments. Joy had become my strength. I returned to work after only 3 weeks and finished chemo during my lunch hour. His joy empowered me during the process of healing, as well as caring for my children and working. It was just God and me on an amazing journey. I continue to grow in the outrageous love that the Father has for me. I know the joy of the Holy Spirit within me. When trouble comes, joy may not be my first response, but it is my final response, and the one that carries me through!