JOYFUL STRENGTH?
“….The JOY of the Lord is your strength…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV).
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God-given JOY comes from GOD through his indwelling Holy Spirit. “…These THINGS have I SPOKEN unto you that my JOY might REMAIN in you, and that your JOY might be full…” (John 15:11 NIV).
What are “THESE THINGS” that Jesus SPOKE? “…I am the vine, you are the branches; he who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for APART FROM Me you can do nothing …If you ABIDE in Me, and My words ABIDE in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; ABIDE in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will ABIDE in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and ABIDE in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My JOY may be in you, and that your JOY may be made full…” (John 15:1-11 NASB).
The KEY word is ABIDE. Abide means to dwell, settle, live, remain, reside, stayed lodged in, or stay connected with. “…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, …If you ABIDE in Me, and My words ABIDE in you, ask whatever you wish … ABIDE in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will ABIDE in My love … I have kept My Father’s commandments and ABIDE in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My JOY may be in you, and that your JOY may be made full…” (John 15:1-11 NASB).
“…Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep (adhere to, abide, stay connected to, etc.) my words: and my Father will love him…” (John 14:23 KJV). “….ABIDE in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will ABIDE in My love…” (John 15:1-11 KJV). “…and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him (Her)…” (John 14:23 KJV).
“…These THINGS have I SPOKEN unto you that my JOY might REMAIN in you, and that your JOY might be full…” (John 15:11 NIV).
“…MY JOY…” was Jesus’ connection to God’s LOVE through the HOLY SPIRIT (John 15:11 KJV). “…For the Father loveth the Son…” (John 5:19-23 KJV). Jesus said, "I and my Father are ONE (Spirit)…" (John 10:30 KJV).
Jesus had EVERYTHING he would EVER need through his connection with God. “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…All …THINE ARE MINE…” (John 17:10 KJV). “… Everything I have IS A GIFT “FROM” YOU…” (John 17:6-9 NLT).
Jesus has PASSED this JOY onto believers. JESUS SAID, "I and my Father are…ONE…" (John 10:30 KJV). “…That they all may BE ONE; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be ONE IN US: …” (John 17:21 KJV). AND “…that my JOY might REMAIN in [them] … and that [their]… JOY might be full…” (John 15:11 NIV).
God-given JOY basically an endless source of gladness and rejoicing.
God-given JOY will NEVER depend on a MOOD, or PEOPLE, or CIRCUMSTANCE.
God-given JOY is constantly indwelling because it stems from the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
God-given JOY remains strong and faithful whether in the mist of trials and tribulations or when all is well.
God-given JOY is an eternal option for the believer. “…REJOICE in the Lord…” (Philippians 3:1 NIV). “…Choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK … they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…REJOICE in the Lord always…” (Philippians 4:4 NIV). “…REJOICE always…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16 NIV). “…Always be JOYFUL…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16 NLT).
God-given JOY is BONDED to the believer through God’s LOVE. “…love, which is the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB). “….[Nothing]…shall be able to separate [you]… from the love of God which is “in” Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:38-39 KJV). “….the…faithful love of the Lord, never ends...!”(Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT).
God-given JOY is FUSED to the believer through the indwelling spirit. “…He that is joined (fused) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Christ [is]…in you …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…The Holy SPIRIT gives birth to… SPIRITUAL LIFE (which includes JOY)…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…The fruit of the SPIRIT is love, JOY…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control….” (Galatians 5 NLT). “… [God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of JOY]…” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 NLT).
Since the Holy Spirit is the faithful, immutable source of JOY, you will ALWAYS have enough for yourself and to share with others. “… Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). Therefore, “…my JOY …. REMAIN in you … your JOY … be full…” (John 15:11 NIV). “…God will generously PROVIDE all … [the JOY] … you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to “SHARE” WITH OTHERS…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).
God-given JOY also STRENGTHENS you. “….The JOY of the Lord is your strength…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV).
God-given strength is supernatural POWER. “….Look, GOD IS ALL-POWERFUL … glorify HIS MIGHTY WORKS …” (Job 36:22-33 NLT). “… There is NONE like unto thee, O LORD; thou art GREAT, and thy name is great in might.…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).
God-given strength is the supernatural POWER of the indwelling spirit. “… POWER belongeth unto God...” (Psalms 62:11 NIV).
“…There is NO POWER but of God: THE POWERS that be are ordained of God…” (Romans 13:1 KJV). “….[God]…changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings…” (Daniel 2:21 KJV).
“…In order that the living may know That the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, And bestows it on whom He wishes …” (Daniel 4:17 NASB). “…Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above…” (John 19:22 NIV).
“…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV). Therefore, ALL “…POWER belongeth unto God...” (Psalms 62:11 NIV).
If “JOY” comes from the connection with God through the Lord, then “STRENGTH” is YOURS. “….The JOY of the Lord is your strength…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV).
Strength comes from indwelling JOY. You are STRONG because: “…He gives POWER to the weak and strength to the POWERless.…” (Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT). “….GOD …GIVETH strength and POWER UNTO HIS PEOPLE…” (Psalms 68:35 KJV). “… [His people are]…strengthened with MIGHT by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “…God… works IN [them]… to will and to act …” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…God, …EQUIP[s] … [“his people”] with everything good for doing his will, and … work]s] … IN [them]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ,” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… [He]… IS “ABLE” to do exceeding abundantly above all that [they]… ask or think, according to the POWER that worketh IN [them]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN [them] “WILL” “PERFORM” IT “UNTIL” the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). “….Apart from Me (Jesus) ..[they could]… do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). However,“…[They]…can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth …[them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
“…Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HATH blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…” (Romans 1:3 KJV).
“…What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who …[or what]…can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 NIV). “….The JOY of the Lord is your strength…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV).
You are eternally connected to God’s LOVE, his HOLY SPIRIT, and EVERY spiritual provision!! “…REJOICE in the Lord…” (Philippians 3:1 NIV). “…REJOICE in the Lord always…” (Philippians 4:4 NIV). “…REJOICE always…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16 NIV). “…Always be JOYFUL…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16 NLT).
“….The JOY of the Lord is your strength…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV). Going through trials and tribulations affect one’s moods or feelings, but “NOT” their God-given JOY or their God-given STRENGTH. “…my JOY …. REMAIN in you …” (John 15:11 NIV).
MOODS, FEELINGS, PEOPLE, or SITUATIONS cannot DICTATE your JOY. JOY is a CHOICE. “…REJOICE always…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16 NIV). “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
JOY depends LARGELY upon the believer’s OWN volition and dependence on God’s indwelling Spirit. “…REJOICE in the Lord always…” (Philippians 4:4 NIV). “…choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
Many people have the ability to control their emotions and direct those emotions to applicable or useful behaviors. “…TRUST in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).
However, feeling sad, sorrowful, disappointed, or depressed as a response to certain situations or circumstances can’t always be easily regulated. “…Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head (OT expressions of sadness or sorrow…” (Job 1:20-22 NASB). Job said, “..though he (God) slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV).
On the other hand, happiness, gladness, delight, or laughter are responses to situations or circumstances too. Sadness or happiness will take you to either the darker side of life or into the light. “…David danced before the LORD with all his might…” (2 Samuel 6:14 KJV).
The way to avoid the pendulum of experiencing happiness one moment and sadness the next is to FIX your attention upon the TRUTH and REST in the indwelling Spirit. “…my JOY …. REMAIN in you…” (John 15:11 NIV). “…God will generously PROVIDE all … [the JOY] … you need. …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).
Having God-given JOY is a TRUTH that was intended to keep you STRONG and CONTENT no matter what is happening. “….The JOY of the Lord is … [my] … strength…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV).
Focusing on MOODS, FEELINGS, PEOPLE, or SITUATIONS centers your attention on self; or what people are doing or are not doing; or on what’s happening or what is not happening INSTEAD of fixing the MIND on God’s TRUTH. “…Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things…” (Philippians 4:8 KJV).
You can CHOOSE to FILL your mind with JOYFUL TRUTHS or allow the enemy to LIE to you. “…Thy WORD is truth...” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “…the devil …he is a liar and the father of lies…” (John 8:44 NASB).
If you ALLOW your thoughts to be occupied with FEELINGS, MOODS, PEOPLE, or SITUATIONS expect JOY to dissipate or disappear altogether. “…The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” (John 10:10 KJV).
Bring your thoughts into submission to the TRUTH. “…Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (the WORD, TRUTH)…” (2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV).
If you ALLOW your thoughts to be occupied with GOD’s TRUTH and trust his indwelling POWER you can expect to experience JOY over the GREAT things he has DONE! “…may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing…” (Romans 15:13 NASB).
Remember, accessing God-given JOY is a CHOICE. “…choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). “…But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).
JOY is a biblical decree. “…REJOICE in the Lord always…” (Philippians 4:4 NIV). “…REJOICE always…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16 NIV). “…Always be JOYFUL…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16 NLT).
JOY is a side effect of the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).
You can’t regulate every MOOD, FEELING, PERSON, or SITUATION, but you can choose to ABIDE joyfully in the UNION with Christ. “…abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me…” (John 15:4 KJV).
The world will offer its temporary lusts or glitz and glam as if to tease the believer that they are missing something or missing out on all the FUN. “.. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes NOT from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT).
God-given JOY is true and everlasting. “…everlasting JOY will crown their heads…” (Isaiah 35:10 NIV). It is the believer, who is the witness of true, indwelling JOY! “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).
Having the right perspective on God-given JOY makes a BIG difference. “…my JOY …. REMAIN in you…” (John 15:11 NIV). It is important to KNOW God-given JOY is a GIFT that originates from the INDWELLING Spirit and is NOT dependent on the believer.
Jesus’ JOY was imparted to the believer, so it is NOW YOUR JOY. . “…God will generously PROVIDE all … [the JOY] … you need. …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “…that YOUR JOY …. MIGHT BE FULL…” (John 15:11 NIV).
Believers have moments of WEAKNESS, but it will NEVER weaken their indwelling JOY. “…when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). “…MY POWER IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).
Jesus is the believer’s sufficiency of JOY and he will NEVER change or reduce their supply of JOY. “…NOT that we are sufficient OF OURSELVES to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).
CHOOSING JOY is challenging without a DEPTH of TRUTH and REALITY of God’s WORD regarding indwelling JOY. “…My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6 NIV). “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8 NIV).
Without studying about God-given JOY, most believers will have a deficiency of JOY in their Christian journeys. “… Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV). “… They are written for our admonition…” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV). “…Study to shew thyself approved unto God…” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).
Most Christians have NOT experienced God-given JOY as a STRENGTH and may not even truly KNOW what it means. “…My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6 NIV).
Not KNOWING God-given JOY is a deficiency of one’s understanding of their spiritual GIFTS. “…Every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and REJOICE in his labor; this is the gift of God…” (Ecclesiastes 5:19 NASB).
You are affected by the company you keep. When the amount of quality fellowship with God is small or shallow JOY or the lack of JOY is a SIGN. “…Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals…" (1 Corinthians 15:33 NASB).
A sure TRUTH is that the closer and more intimate one is to the love and indwelling Spirit of God; JOY and PEACE of telltale SIGNS. “…The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing…” (Romans 15:13 NASB).
God-given JOY is a BESTOWED GIFT “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). If you do not experience God-given JOY it is time to search your heart for possible doubt, distance, unbelief, and the absence of his presence in your life. “…I DO believe; HELP me overcome my unbelief!...” (Mark 9:24 NIV).
God-given JOY is a BOLD approach to God’s many spiritual GIFTS. Believers do not often go to the throne of GRACE for HELP in their time of NEED. “..Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that we may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV).
Believers have a RIGHT to God-given JOY, but often take a position of timidity, doubt, apprehension, cowardliness, or fear. “…God is able to make all GRACE abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “…God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind…” (2 Timothy 1:7 NASB). “..come boldly unto the throne of GRACE…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV).
JOY is not LIMITED to a future experience, but it is meant for TODAY. “…Beloved, NOW we are children of God…” (1 John 3:2 NASB). We are accepted as his children and can lay CLAIM to ALL spiritual blessings! “…he hath made us accepted in the beloved…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).“…Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HATH blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…” (Romans 1:3 KJV).
Do you deserve his JOY, or have you earned it or merited it? NO, but it is yours anyway! Therefore, “..come boldly unto the throne of GRACE…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV).
Be CONFIDENT and SECURE in regard to his LOVE. “…I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day…” (1 Timothy 1:12 KJV).
You belong to God, but God also BELONGS to you wholeheartedly!! “…The LORD is MY rock and MY fortress and MY deliverer, MY GOD, MY rock, in whom I take refuge; MY shield and the horn of MY salvation, MY stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). Like Soloman you can say, “…My beloved is mine, and I am his…” (Soloman 2:16 KJV).
God has given generously to his people and he wants them to ENJOY abundant LIFE “…His divine power hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). . “…It is the …Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…I came that they may have LIFE, and have it abundantly...” (John 10:10 KJV).
“….The JOY of the Lord is your strength…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV). “…A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength…” (Proverbs 17:22 NLT).
Godly JOY was imparted, to the believer, through the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).
It is the believer’s CHOICE to be stabilized by TRUTH or rattled by unstable or wavering MOODS, FEELINGS, PEOPLE, or SITUATIONS. “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT). “…choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
JOY is a STABLIZER that KEEPS the believer STRONG and CONTENT whatever they are experiencing. “…be content with what you have, because God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV).
JOY is the SECRET of contentment for the saints, because they can do ALL things through Jesus Christ who STRENGTHENS them! “…THE SECRET of the Lord is with them that fear him…” (PROVERBS 25:14). “… but HIS SECRET is with the righteous…” (PROVERBS 3:32). God has “… [MADE] KNOWN… [TO YOU]...the RICHES of the glory … which is Christ IN YOU…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…Jesus Christ IS IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…THE SECRET of the Lord is with [YOU]…” (PROVERBS 25:14).“…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
“….The JOY of the Lord is your strength…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV). In the 8th Chapter of Nehemiah, the Israelites were celebrating their return from exile. They were exiled from their homeland because of their disobedience to God.
After returning to their homeland they began meeting in the square, at the West gate, to listen to the Word of God. Listening to the Word of God convicted them and they became upset over disobeying God.
However Ezra, the Levites, and Nehemiah told them and encouraged them to celebrate instead. They had returned to God, to obedience, and to the covenant relationship.
God had granted them grace and mercy, the full embrace of his blessings, and his JOY. This JOY would be their strength going forward. “….The JOY of the Lord is your strength…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV).
The Israelites had returned from exile. You have returned from spiritual exile. When you realized you are a sinner, it causes guilt, but if you repent God will forgive your sins. Instead of continual sadness about your sins; you can NOW REJOICE over the free “gift of salvation.” Like the Israelites, “….The JOY of the Lord is your strength…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV).
DO YOU HAVE JOYFUL STRENGTH?
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