Bible study: Joy, happiness and Peace of God
Bible study: Joy, happiness and Peace of God
Posted on December 18, 2008 Updated on December 18, 2008
Memorise: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; ” (James 1:2)
Read: James 1:2-4
Pastor E. Adeboye
If you want to access true material wealth, never accept Satan’s alternative. One of my sons by virtue of his position, awarded a contract to a contractor. At this time, he was in dire need of a car. Not long after, the contractor in the name of appreciation brought him enough money to buy a car, but the Spirit warned him not to take it because a car can become a mobile coffin.
He simply thanked the fellow and told him he does not want to die in his prime. The contractor left, thinking he must be a fool. Know the gifts you receive! Some gifts can bless, others can curse, while some can even kill.
Those who know their God shall be emotionally strong because they are connected to the Source of joy. Psalm 16:11 says, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore”. Have you suffered an emotional breakdown?
The Lord is speaking strength to you now. Nehemiah 8:10 says the joy of the Lord has elements of strength. Anyone who lacks it becomes weak. The extent of your joy is the extent of your strength, hence Philippians 4:4 commands you to rejoice always, your circumstance notwithstanding.
Joy is the mother of happiness, laughter and celebration. Those who know their God shall be emotionally strong because their joy is rooted in the Lord and not in emphemeral blessings such as a car, promotion, new house, title, etc. Blessing or not, God is constant.
As long as God is constant, their joy also is constant. Their joy is not affected by trials, or any unpleasant event (James 1:2-4). They are assured that all things work together for their good according to Romans 8:20.
“If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small” (Proverbs 24:10). If you give in or give up in times of difficulty and intense pressure, it is because you lack the joy of the Lord. Are you weeping? The Lord is asking you to rejoice.
According to Psalm 30:5, your sorrow cannot last as long as sunrise follows sunset. Your sorrow will give way to joy. To energize your joy, count past blessings and mercies of God. Reflect on how the Lord made a way for you, or someone else who was in a similar situation.
Search through the Bible to locate and claim the promises of God concerning a situation like what you are facing. Rejoice in the Lord. It shall be well.
Fainting in the midst of pressure indicates little strength. Pray that God will triple your strength in adversity.
