Focus: The Joy Of God!

Text: Dt.28:63

"The LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you…"

Joy is an inward reality generated in the believer's heart by the presence of God. The psalmist says, "In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Ps.16:11). The presence of God is a contagion of joy. 

The psalmist says, "Thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance" (Act.2:28). Paul tells us of "joy of the Holy Spirit" and "joy in the Holy Spirit" (1Thes.1:6; Rom.14:17). He tells us that joy is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. He talks about "the joy of faith." The Christian faith produces in us contagious joy. Joy has been set before us by our God, which means that our marathon of faith shall end in joy. Luke records that "the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost" (Act.13:52).

It is not enough for the believer to be filled with joy; he needs to activate his joy by rejoicing in the Lord. Concerning Christ, Luke writes that "in that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight" (Lk.10:21). He rejoices in his spirit for what you know by divine disclosure that the prudent person is unable to know unaided by God. The believer knows something even as a baby in Christ.

Our text assures us that God takes joy in doing us good. He seeks for our welfare and wellbeing with so much joy. Luke says, "And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him" (Lk.13:17). Luke writes, "And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen" (Lk.19:37). It gladdens God's heart to do you good.

Paul says, "Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all" (Phil.2:17). Someone will rejoice with you. Joy is meant to be shared. He says, "For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me" (Phil.2:18).

Paul says to you now, "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord" (Phil.3:1). He says, "Rejoice evermore" (1Thes.5:16). Peter says, "Rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1Pet.1:8). Child of God, rejoice in the Lord! Let the Lord our God fill you with all joy! You are controlled by what you are full of. Let the joy of God be the driving force of your life! Be the love of God tender or tough at any point in time, be poised for joy. Experience the joy of God immeasurably and unfathomably, even now and forever. Amen!

by Bishop Moses E. Peter