JOY COMES....
01st Jul 2015
Joy is an amazing gift that God makes available to all his children, it is free and is received by faith. Happiness is dependant upon happenings, but joy comes as a loving and supernatural gift straight from the heart of God.
Psalm 30:5 says, “Weeping may remain for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Trails and tragedy happen to everyone; believers are not immune. Some very dear friends of ours have just lost a son to suicide, the agony and trauma are immense, but hope lies in the future.
Some years ago Joyce was called to support a lady who had just lost a husband, son and mother-in-law in a road accident. Words were inadequate and arms were flung around this grieving lady. However, to Joyce’s surprise the lady shared how as she had walked into the garden trying to process the news, she was surrounded by a blanket of love, as the Father revealed Himself to her for the very first time. Later, she was able to testify to the fact that her tears were turned to joy, and peace and healing restored her life.
When severe testing and devastating events happen that seem to have no meaning and no answers, there is a Father who cares. He is described as the “God of all comfort who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort that we ourselves have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4).
In Nehemiah’s day at a time of great challenge for God’s people, when the people were about to descend into sadness and defeat he spoke these words, “This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
Grief and sadness are powerful emotions which seek to hold people in their grip. However, God’s prophetic word to His people is, “Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” (Isaiah 51:11)
“Joy comes...” reach out and receive it.
by Charles Sibthorpe
