JOY

Joy. It’s a common enough word. But do we ever stop to consider what it it really means? Most dictionaries define it JOY as rejoicing; a feeling of great pleasure or happiness. What does that really mean? Since this past Christmas season I have been pondering, encountering, and experiencing joy with new understanding. I invite you to come along and do the same.

Joy is a place, a position of one’s heart, a response of freedom birthed out of encountering One greater than ourselves.

Joy springs up like a well of living water, bubbling up and over.

Joy has a vibration; transforming every atmosphere it comes into contact with.

Joy rises up as we step into divine positions and places set before us…willingly, delightfully, excitedly-not begrudgingly kicking against the goads.

Joy is transparent. “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face” (Proverbs 15:13). Joy cannot be worn as a mask; it can not be faked. It is either alive within, or not.

I believe Joy is a place of assignment. More and more sons and daughters of God are stepping into the story written for them. As they seek His face and freedom; JOY IS RISING!

“The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). These are not just words spoken from a good book. They are words of confident assurance from a heart positioned to walk out, in freedom from bondage, that which has been set before us; having a knowing who holds the world in HIS hands.

Joy does not just happen; it comes from an infilling of God’s Spirit as we delight ourselves in His desires.

As Ezekiel was called to prophesy to the dry bones to rise, so to do I shout “Joy to the World!”. These words of proclamation exceed far beyond a common familiar Christmas Carol. These are God’s words calling His bride to live life! Yield to Jesus in those places He has called you to be and LET JOY RISE!!!