Got Joy?

Philippians 4:4

In Philippians 4:4, Paul made his point quickly and clearly. “Rejoice . . . Rejoice!” What power is contained in this single word, rejoice. It’s the verb form of joy. While joy is a feeling, an experience, an emotion, rejoice is the action form of joy. Joy is supernatural delight in the person of God, the purposes of God, and the people of God. Because joy is supernatural, you can’t generate it yourself. You can’t resolve, I’m going down in the basement, and I’m not coming up until I have some joy. You’ll be down in that basement for a long time. You can’t make joy; it’s from the Lord. The supernatural part of joy is God’s part; our part is to delight. Delight is an action word and a choice you make. A person who delights looks for the good in everything. Once you tap into that joy, don’t just harbor it in your heart; express it! Choose joy, verbalize and live it—that supernatural delight in the person of God, the purposes of God, and the people of God. 

Questions for further thought:
1. Would others describe you as a joyful person? Why or why not?
2. Where do you see a need for your joy to grow?

Challenge: Pray this prayer… Father God, You give me a clear command: Rejoice. Please give me this supernatural gift. I resolve to delight in You. Teach me to be a joyful person, a true child of my Father. I choose joy because of who You are and how You’re at work in my life and the world. I choose joy because of Your purposes—Your genius, overarching master plan that encompasses every detail of my life and moves me toward eternity. I choose joy because of Your people, though they’re imperfect (like me). And I choose joy as an act of obedience to You, my Master. You make my joy full (John 15:11). I boldly ask You to multiply my joy, in the name of Jesus, Amen.