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The beginning of the Gospel starts with the birth of John the Baptist and of course, our Lord and Savior Jesus. The Gospel itself means “good news” and the coming of both Jesus and John brought good news and great gladness of joy. The joy of the wise men was described as exceeding great joy (Mt 2:10). While in the embryonic stages in Elizabeth’s womb, John leaped for joy as she was filled with the Holy Ghost and began to prophesy with a loud voice (Lk 1:41-44). Mary was so stirred she proclaimed “my soul doth magnify the Lord” and she began to prophesy. She was full of joy. The Angel, Gabriel, told Zacharias he would have joy and gladness (Lk 1:14). The shepherds in the field were given good tidings of great joy and upon seeing Jesus returned glorifying and praising God for what they heard and seen (Lk 2:10, 20).
Joy is defined as the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation; a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated.
From this definition we see there is a cause as well as a source of joy. In order to maintain your joy it’s important to understand this. Joy is a result of something and/or someone. As people, we are vessels that house life and whatever it dishes out to us, good or bad. When our bodies can’t take any more they die or cease to exist. Our feelings/emotions are affected by the good and the bad that goes on. We live based on the pleasures and displeasures that life brings. The cause or source of our joy is based on life circumstances consisting of other people and events that occur.
As sons and daughters of the Most High God our joy is based on heavenly events and God is the source. Ezra said it best in Nehemiah 8:10, “Then he said unto them, 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. King David said it like this, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Ps 16:11).” Even the backslidden can say like King David, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit (Ps 51:12).”
Peter describes it as “joy unspeakable and full of glory” (I Pet 1:8). Just talking and reading about it makes you want to shout “Glory Hallelujah”!!! Our source of Joy is God Himself. He’s a 24/7, 365 ¼ days, mountain top/valley low, consistent source of joy for the entire world; but only those who are truly His can tap into the reservoir of His abundant supply of everlasting joy. The main event has already occurred and the moment we acknowledged it we became partakers of that joy. The day we received Jesus we received joy. Hear the words of our Savior, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full (John 15:11; 16:24).” Hear it, believe it, receive it, speak it, live it, love it, be full of it, just don’t let go of it. Maintain Your Joy Everyday!
2014, HERE WE COME…
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