Believers must constantly have joy. The Word of God enjoins us to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4-7). Periods and situations of sorrow should be counteracted as soon as they show up and be replaced with joy. The absence of joy is injurious to the spirit, soul and body.

Luke 4:18-19
18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

The early disciples knew the importance of serving the Lord with joy or gladness. In spite of the persecution they faced, they broke bread from house to house with gladness of heart (Acts 2:46-47). The explosion of joy in their disposition gave them favour with all the people and the Lord added souls to the Church daily. It is difficult for a fellowship of believers that lacks joy to grow.

Believers in the early Church brushed aside their persecution and expressed their joy. They did not allow circumstances to steal their peace and joy. We must discard the excuses and explode in joy. Circumstances should not steal our joy. The apostle Peter commended the saints who though they had not seen Jesus Christ physically and were going through many trials, rejoiced with unspeakable joy (1 Peter 1:3-9). A vibrant expectation of “the appearing of Jesus Christ” kept them joyful in spite of their “manifold temptations” which were for a season.

Prayer: Pray that you will have constant joy, even in this period of the pandemic.

Recommended Reading:
“The Jubilee” by Eastwood Anaba
(Find e-books at www.amazon.com)
www.eastwoodanaba.com