JOY
Then the Angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people." (Luke 2:10 NKJ)
I often wonder why they claim that bad news sells better, when in fact everyone is really looking for something good. The truth is that joy is always available. God is joy just as He is love and peace. The kingdom of God is love, joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit. We were all made in God’s image; therefore we were all made with joy. God likes joy!
Happiness is something that comes and goes and is usually dictated by what is going on around us. Joy, on the other hand, is a force within us that we can manifest. Joy will not force its way out of us, but it is always ready for action. That joy that is down in our hearts is able to do marvelous things.
Joy overcomes sorrow. Sorrow may last for a night but joy comes in the morning. The angel told the shepherds that this great joy was to all people. It was intended for all people and whatever God intends to do, He does.
Christians do not have a corner on the joy market. God pours out His good things on everyone; however nothing that God gives is really complete without Jesus. Therefore, as Christians our joy should be the greatest of all. Jesus came that our joy might be made full. He completes our Joy. He gives us reason for joy at all times. He wants us to understand that joy is a great resource that He has given us to manifest for our own good as well as for the good of the world.
No matter what the media says, the world is looking for joy. The world is looking for any kind of joy, and we have residing within us the greatest joy of all. God wants us to manifest it. He wants us to reveal it to the world around us. He gave it to us so that we could show the world that He is a good God. The world needs to know that God sent joy into the world to save the world.
Joy, love, and peace, are one just like the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Joy may not always be jumping up and down, but it is always ready to start. Sometimes it has to in order to stamp out everything that is coming against it. Love should always be accompanied by joy and peace. If you think about it, joy usually creates an atmosphere where love and peace can manifest. Without joy, peace and love are pretty lonely!
Jesus was, is, and always will be a package of joy sent by God into the world. As believers in Jesus Christ we should manifest joy more than all others. We need to heed God’s command to “consider our ways.” Lord help us all to give joy free reign in our lives. Remember, joy clears the way for greater love and peace.