DON’T LOSE YOUR JOY

DON’T LOSE YOUR JOY
It is a thing of joy that we are all witnessing this season. Jesus said the Galileans whose blood Pilate mingled with their sacrifices were not worse sinners than those who were alive at the time – Luke 13: 1-3. This is why today we rejoice at the faithfulness of God and for His mercies which has kept us this far.
Talking about joy – besides hope, joy is one thing that has kept us as Christians giving particularly in these last days in the face of global economic meltdown, stress, global warming and political instabilities among the nations. Joy is not just a source of strength, it in strength itself. Joy should not be mistaken for happiness. Anybody can be happy but only those who have the Holy Spirit can possess joy.
Happiness is a cheap commodity that can be found in a stick of cigarette, a bottle of bear, partying, being among friend of like mind, watching a game movie or any television programme, finding something you have been looking for, making a new friend, reconciling with loved one after a while of malicious separation etc. the problem with this is that the happiness derived this way are both temporary as well as externally influenced.
What I mean here is that happiness comes when we are where we want to be, when we get what we want, when we are treated the way we would like to and when good things HAPPEN to us.
Ah ha! HAPPEN to us. This then defines happiness. Happiness is what happens to us. This implies therefore that truly, happiness is based on events and things that happen. What then is the result when we don’t like the things that happen? We become unhappy. This means then that happiness is externally controlled or influenced. And if this is the case, then we become subject to our environment and come at the mercy of what people wants us to feel. It is not so with joy. Joy is internally regulated such that whichever way events or happenings turn, your joy is still in place. Situations and circumstances don’t influence joy. Joy is not a feeling, it is the fruit of the Spirit; and if so, you only have it when you have the Spirit.
You can be unhappy and still keep your joy. Joy is one commodity the devil would fight hard to see you don’t keep. Why? Joy is strength. (Neh. 8: 10). A joyful Christian is a strength person. You can only be a Christian to have joy otherwise, what you’ve got is happiness. No wonder Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15: 11).
Joy cannot be gotten anywhere else other than in the presence of God. (Ps. 16:11).
Don’t lose your joy. In the face of distress and uncertainties today in our world, you need joy to stay afloat. With global economy taking a depressing dive, you need joy to keep your head up. With gross darkness enveloping the world today, we need joy to navigate and wade through unclear mucky waters to a fulfilling life – (Isaiah 12: 3).
Don’t lose your joy. Stress will not cut short your life. Don’t’ lose your joy; the enemy will not reign over you. Don’t lose your joy, you will not be ashamed. Don’t lose your joy; the devil will not triumph over you. Don’t lose your joy; you will succeed where you have failed before. Don’t lose your joy, it is your strength.
Remember, if you don’t have the Lord, (be born again), you cannot have joy.
Enter into gracious new season. (Amen)
Shalom
Pastor (Mrs.) Abimbola Yakubu