SUPERNATURAL SUPPLY OF JOY

“…I am filled with comfort. I AM EXCEEDINGLY JOYFUL in all our tribulation” – 2 Corinthians 7:4b

The Believer is guaranteed SUPERNATURAL SUPPLY of JOY, irrespective of trials and tribulations: “…I am filled with comfort. I AM EXCEEDINGLY JOYFUL in all our tribulation” (2Cor.7:4b). Happiness is fickle – it requires happy happenings. Joy, on the other hand, endures and sticks around. It doesn’t get chased off by trouble. Happiness disappears when turmoil enters the scene, but the Holy Spirit supernaturally gives us great and lasting joy, even in the face of trials: “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality” (2Cor.8:1-2).

Supernatural Joy is lasting and satisfying to the heart in some unique ways.

Supernatural Supply of Joy is Enduring and Lasting: Sorrow and suffering will pass, but joy continues in spite of hardship. Eternal joy is promised to come and, when it does, it lasts: “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psa.30:5).

Supernatural Supply of Joy is Satisfying. Several times, God’s Word describes joy as “full” or “complete”: “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be FULL” (Jh.16:24); “And these things write we to you that your joy may be FULL” (1Jh.1:4). Joy satisfies the heart in a way that temporary happiness never can:

• “You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased” (Psa.4:7).

• “These things have I spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be FULL” (Jh.15:11).

• “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, FULFILL MY JOY by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Phil.2:1-2).

• “Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with JOY INEXPRESSIBLE and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls” (1Pet.1:8-9).

Supernatural Supply of Joy is anchored on God’s Presence. Fullness of Joy is found in the presence of the Lord:

• “Honor and majesty are before Him; Strength and GLADNESS are in His place” (1Chr.16:27).

• “But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever SHOUT for JOY, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You” (Psa.5:11).

• “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is FULLNESS of JOY; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psa.16:11).

• “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and JOY in the Holy Spirit” (Rom.14:17).

Supernatural Supply of Joy is Spirit-filled (Gal.5:22-23). Power of positive thinking cannot bring lasting joy. Instead, joy is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in us, and distinguishes the people of God: “The Jews had light and gladness, JOY and honor” (Est.8:6).

Supernatural Supply of Joy is Sacrificial. Building our personal kingdoms and following our private agenda may offer fleeting fulfilment, but not lasting joy. Building God’s kingdom offers a special joy that can’t be replicated: “The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” (Lk.10:17).

Supernatural Supply of Joy is Deliberate and Intentional, as act of obedience to the Lord: “Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for JOY, all you upright in heart!” (Psa.32:11); “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Phil.4:4); “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Rom.12:12).

However happy or sad the times; however comforting or challenging the circumstances, we find joy in the presence of the Lord. Focusing on Christ brings a supernatural joy that cannot compare with temporary happiness. Life in the Holy Spirit is a life of Joy!