Yesterday (that was early Sunday morning …..3am…’twas a dexa night, hence the wakefulnesss at 3am), I ended my post with “Be joyful always….” Indeed I am much surprised and amazed that when we attended the Sunday morning service at CCBaptist Church, the sermon given by Pastor D, was themed “Living a Spirit-Filled Life: Joy”. Coincidence…it is not, but the rhema word of GOD to imprint this truth in my heart. Oftentimes, (my) emotions and circumstances qualify the presence of joy. Quite naturally, we are affected and discouraged by poor health and can be utterly miserable.
Pastor D explained biblical joy in Galatians 5:22-23a as these 5 truths:
– it is not based on circumstances
– it is based on a real relationship with GOD
– is what energises us to truly live the Christian life
– is indelibly linked with obedience
– it should be shared
And why are we able to have joy despite our circumstances – Psalm 28:7
“The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me,
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise Him.”
Psalm 73:26 promises that “my flesh and my heart may fail, but GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Indeed on our own, it is almost impossible to persevere a prolonged life of chronic ill health and poor immunity, frequently beset with infection, fatigue and tiredness.
But we can hold on to the promise that the LORD can and will give us the strength and even more, the joy to accompany us.
Finally, we are to “rejoice with those who rejoice.” Romans 12:15. This aspect of rejoicing is frequently shared within the mm community, when one celebrates another year of CR or VGPR or reduced m-spike!! We are truly and genuinely glad for one another.