THE JOY OF THE LORD

And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. - 1 John 1:4

It is tragic to go through life with a stone face. The enemy has convinced too many into thinking that they need to be always sober and serious in order to be a Christian.

Don't fall for that trick. God wants you to be joyful and happy. In fact, He prescribes laughter as a medicine for our souls.

"The joy of the Lord is our strength." It is God's great prescription for living a long, healthy, and happy life.

Recent studies have shown that a joyful disposition boosts the body's immune system, reduces stress, reduces the risk of heart attack, and even acts as a natural tranquilizer.

Those are health benefits everyone needs. The "medicine" of laughter is within everyone, but you may need to start taking it before it works in your life.

It is important to note that the joy of the Lord is not simply bursting into laughter because you heard a funny joke. Neither is it a fake pretense at being happy or giggling senselessly.

The joy of the Lord has a spiritual source. It is produced by the Holy Spirit and is produced from within our hearts by Him.

Because it is supernatural in nature, it cannot be controlled by our circumstances.

Four factors influence our joy:

• Our salvation. We are joyful because our sins are forgiven, and our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

• Our security. We are joyful because we know that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. We are safe in Him.

• Our service. We are joyful because we allow the Holy Spirit to use us to touch other people's lives. Our lives are useful.

• Most importantly, we are joyful because of our earnest expectation of the glory of God when Christ our Lord comes.

Prayer: Joyful, joyful we adore You Lord of glory, Lord of love.

Scriptural Reading: 1 John 1:1-4