Wednesday, April 25, 2012

April 26, 2012

"The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

"At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do."  Luke 10:17; 21

You would think Christians should have the market cornered on joy wouldn't you?

How could you be in possession of what Christians say they have and NOT have joy?

Do you have joy? Are you experiencing joy at the moment?

We see joy expressed in these verses above. First, the disciples came back from their short-term mission trip filled with joy!

Also, we see a joyful Jesus in the other verse.

What was the source of their joy? I have some ideas but before I share those let's define some terms to assure we have the same understanding.

How do I define joy?

Joy is when I connect with God through Christ, in the way I was created to be connected with Him. Joy is oneness with Him!

How do you get joy?

When you reconnect with God by repenting of all sin that has caused you to become disconnected from Him you receive joy. Connecting with God through faith allows His Spirit to fill up the empty spot in your spirit. Joy comes from the Holy Spirit so if you do not have the Spirit you can't have joy.

How do you keep joy?

Obviously, you remain connected with God and live in obedience to His Holy Spirit! Joy is the product of a personal relationship with God. Disobedience is sin and sin breaks relationship with God, robbing your joy. Joy is the product of proper daily decisions and continual devotion to God.

Do you know joy?

Are you living in joy?

Have you lost your joy?

Why would you be content to live without joy?

What is keeping you from having your joy restored?