The joy of the Lord is our strength

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:29

Indeed, Apostle Paul expressed the source of his joy clearly in Rom 8:28-39 and also concluded that nothing "will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." His deep knowing that God loved him absolutely gave him confidence and pleasure even when he had to go through persecutions. For which he declared that "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

As joint heirs with Christ, we ought to be sure of God's love for us too. Following this blessed assurance, we will be able to echo Paul's words too. And when we do, the joy of the Lord will flood us.

The joy of the Lord has to be most apparent not when the sky is blue. Rather, when we go through our difficult times, trials, illness and any unpleasant circumstances, by a deep knowing that God works for our good, then we are able to go through victoriously and joyfully.

Oswald Chambers in his posting - The Source of Abundant Joy concluded with the following statement:

"The undiminished radiance, which is the result of abundant joy, is not built on anything passing, but on the love of God that nothing can change. And the experiences of life, whether they are everyday events or terrifying ones, are powerless to 'separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.'"

So, beloved, let us then wake up each morning assured of God's unceasing love for us. Let us truly believe that our Abba Father works all things for the good of us, His redeemed children. Joy will surely follow us through the day, despite the circumstances we would be in.

Let the joy of the Lord be the flag flown high in the castle of our heart.

God bless.

Steven