(By pastor Jean)

The book of Proverbs has a fair bit to say about joy, “A heart full of joy and gladness makes a cheerful face” (Prov 15:13; AMP) and, “But a glad heart has a continual feast (regardless of the circumstances)” (Prov 15:15; AMP). Then in Prov 17:22 we read that a joyful heart can be like a medicine and bring healing. Nehemiah 8:10 is a much-quoted verse and tells us that God’s joy is strength (the Hebrew word for strength actually means a refuge or place of protection). In the New Testament we read that Jesus expressed joy, “In that very hour He was overjoyed and rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit” (Luke 10:21; AMP); that was when the disciples returned from ministering and told Jesus about the success they had. Paul also encouraged joy; he told the Philippians to, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice” (Phil 4:4; NKJV). In Acts 13:53 we learn that the disciples were, “continually filled with joy” (AMP). (See also Rom 14:17). So, they obviously expressed joy in both the ups and the downs of life. Where do we find this joy? In Psalms we read that it is in God’s presence that we find it (Ps 16:11). Joy is also a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22), so that means that joy will develop in us as we grow and mature and spend time connected to God. Finally, in the words of Habbakuk, “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines…. yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation” (Habb 3:17,18; NLT).