Christian Living

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God has allocated joy to every child of His. But the problem is maintaining this joy given to us by God. Psalm 16:11b states: “in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (KJV). This means that we need the presence of God in order to maintain the joy He has given to us. Furthermore, this shows that the more we move far away from God’s presence, the sadder we become.

John 16:33 states: in the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (KJV). This means that Christians are predisposed to sorrow as long as we are in this world. But Christ has overcome this world, hence the closer we draw to Him; the more we shall be drawn from this world and its sorrows. Many Christians allow the devil to steal their joy by seeking joy from the world. This is certainly the wrong way to go in obtaining fulfilment.

So how do we maintain God’s presence in order to fully enjoy the joy which comes from God? God’s presence comes when we pray, study His Word and also engage in spiritual activity. Nehemiah 8:10 states “do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (NIV). This means that we get weaker when we stray from God’s presence and His joy.

A very important factor which keeps Christians from joy and happiness is a lack of faith. Jesus Christ realised this and said in Matthew 6:25 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes (NIV)? The verse 30 states : If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?(NIV) We should not worry anymore after we commit our problems to God. We should just walk in faith and not by the sight of what is happening around us. At that point there will be no more sorrow in our lives, but peace and joy which comes from the Spirit of God. God’s joy is available for us; but the question is: will we embrace it?

May we dwell in the house and presence of God forever and enjoy the fullness of His joy forevermore. Amen.

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