The Gift of Joy

By Andrea Merrell

 

 The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV

 

“That woman’s a Christian? You’ve got to be kidding. She comes to work every day looking like she’s been sucking on a lemon."

People’s perception of a Christ-follower differs, but as someone once said, as a child of God we are walking billboards for His kingdom.

How we come across to others is important. What they see in us—who are supposed to be salt and light in a dark, fallen world—should point them to the Lord.

I’ve known many believers who never smile. Never offer a kind or encouraging word. Who are harsh with their children, neighbors, and co-workers. Who act as if they think being happy is a sin.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus said, “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]” (John 10:10 AMP). In John 15 He said,  I have told you these things so that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy may be made full and complete and overflowing” (vs. 11 AMP). He went on to say, “Ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy may be full and complete” (John 16:24 AMP).

God wants His children to be happy. Joyful. Full of life. The salvation He offers us includes the gift of joy—His very own joy in us. “Joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8 KJV). Throughout the Scriptures He tells us to rejoice. To be glad. To shout for joy. He even tells us that His joy is our strength.

Go ahead. Put a smile on your face and be happy. Show the world how wonderful it is to be a child of the King. 

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles.