How do we make the Lord’s Joy into our sustaining strength?  Happiness is self-defined and self maintained, that is each person has a list of what will make them happy and then whether or not they secure these things determines their happiness quotient.  Joy on the other hand is free, externally delivered and eternally refreshed through Kingdom Work.  That is the greatest irony and miracle then when we do the Lord’s Work we never weary.  I thought work was supposed to sap our strength.  How then does joy fit into the component of power and work?

Think on Jesus.  How would you describe Him, His Characteristics to someone who has never known Him?  I begin with Loving, Caring, Mighty, Worthy, Faithful, Selfless, Patient, Long Suffering, Merciful, Lamb, Lion, meek, All powerful, Creator, Wonderful Counselor, God, but as I go the list seems to get longer and my passionate spirit is filled with His Glory.  He overcame this world and everything in it, therefore it is through my relationship, testimony and love for Him that I will find that same Victory.  Just as happiness is self defined/self maintained so is victimization to every Christian.  We have won and since Joy is free then regardless of our trials, hardships, challenges or circumstances, even when we are unhappy we may remain filled with Joy of the Lord, our eternal strength.  The secret lays in getting outside of our own power, authority and finite defining characteristics and residing in His Power, Authority and Infinite Capacity for Abundant Joy.  When you truly rejoice in His Awesomeness you will meet the Power of the Holy Spirit in that Joy.

Joy will set you apart. Even in the church, when you display true Joy of the Lord you will be ridiculed, mocked, envied and sometimes ostracized or frowned upon.  Do Not Place Your Light Under a Bucket/Basket for anyone.  That Joy should be displayed so that this entire world might look upon the Work of His Glory shone through you as His Lantern.  We cannot get to heaven, we cannot save ourselves, we cannot defeat arch angels, we cannot perform miracles, we cannot exceed death but the One Who Did and Does Lives inside each of us.  It is through the Joy and Thankfulness for His Glory that you will become powerful for Christ.  Look upon Him, get to know Him, ask Him for the power to do His Will in your life.  You will find that Joy is the answer for this is your true strength.  Rejoice for the Kingdom is Come.  In Jesus’ Holy Name I pray.