“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” I Peter 1:8
For many years now, my Mother has ended telephone conversations, face-to-face conversations and even some notes, cards and letters with these words from Nehemiah 8:10 “…The joy of the Lord is your strength.” When you meditate on these words, you cannot help but realize the power in the truth of these words. And when I am meditating on these words, I can see and feel “A Fountain of Joy” coming forth from the Lord.
In I Peter 1:8, this joy is said to be unspeakable and full of glory all based on our relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. We sing about having joy like a fountain in our soul in songs like “Peace Like A River.” Throughout His Word, God repeatedly refers to the need to keep rejoicing, finding joy in, turning sorrow into joy, having joy and to so many other ways of expressing joy upfront in our thoughts. I believe we can say without a doubt that joy is profoundly needed, must be acknowledged and is required for a contented and powerful daily walk with the Lord.
To be joyfully content with rejoicing is what God wants us to be and to do for Him as clearly put forth by the Apostle Paul in Philippians Chapter Four: “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Verse 4); “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to the content.” (Verse 11); “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Verse 13). Now can the peace of God which passes all understanding keep our hearts and minds focused through Christ Jesus (Verse 7). You see, the joy of the Lord is indeed our strength!
Consider these fruits of joy:
Joy of Serving
Joy of Acceptance
Joy of Countenance
Joy of Caring
Joy of Fruitfulness
Joy of Contentment
Joy of Strength
Pray and ask the Lord to let you know, feel and see the fullness of His joy flowing from you like a strong and mighty current pouring over you and through you over the lives of others.
Oh Lord, may we all be “Fountains of Joy.”