Joy is not just an emotion. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galations 5:22). Fruit is something that grows over time from a seed that is sown in good soil, and that seed is the precious word of God. The scriptures reveal to us that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). The Apostle Paul told the Philippian church to ALWAYS be full of joy in the Lord (Philippians 4:4). Especially during difficult and dark days, we MUST receive the joy of the Lord every morning. It will help us to be able to navigate through the overwhelming sadness that can so easily overwhelm us because of the continual bad news we hear. Declare each day that the joy of the Lord is your strength, and allow the Holy Spirit to flood your very soul with His joy and the peace that passes understanding. It will overflow to you and then through you to your family, friends, and co-workers.
Philippians 4:4 (NLT) Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
