Joy. Nehemiah 8:10 says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Galatians 5:22 refers to it as a fruit of the Spirit. The reality is that joy is a force that is deposited in each believer when they accept Jesus as their Lord, and it allows you to overcome the negativity of the world. As with any force, joy must be released to be effective. It won’t do anything if you try to bottle it up and keep it to yourself. Instead, release your joy and watch it transform your life and those around you!
First John 1:4 says, “And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” Joy comes as you encounter and embrace the Word of God. The more you understand what Jesus has done for you, the more the joy of the Lord will rise up in you. You won’t be able to contain it! And if you will allow it, joy will help you overcome physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social ailments.
So how to you release this powerful force? Here are three biblical ways to release joy in your life:
- Release Joy in Your Life through Praise
Psalm 16:11 says, “In thy presence is fullness of joy” and Psalm 42:4 says, “I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise.” Joy is released through your words. As you speak God’s Word out through praise and worship, the Joy of the Lord begins to build inside you, with brings strength into your life.
- Release Joy in Your Life through Dance
Jeremiah 31:13 says, “Rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.” Joy is released when you dance before God in praise and worship.
- Release Joy in Your Life through Prayer
In Philippians 1:4 the Apostle Paul said that he makes his requests with joy. When you find the answer in God’s Word to what you are praying about and then ponder it until it penetrates your heart and mind, the joy of the Lord begins to be stirred up inside you. As it is, you release it in prayer along with faith.
The act of releasing your joy is important because it allows you to use joy like the weapon that it is. It is a weapon that builds you up and allows to you win over discouragement. Put this mighty force to work in your life and build yourself up…and others, too!
Source: Kenneth Copeland, “Let Your Joy Overflow,” 0886, 1299 and 0314 BVOV
