Joy Is A Channel That God Can Work Through

Romans 14:17--NIV--For the kingdom of God is.....righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Recap:
Righteousness, in essence, is doing what is acceptable to God. Our example was Abraham. The Bible says four times that Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness. Therefore, simply believing what God has spoken about any given situation is what God desires from His people.

Peace will continue to grow within us as we re-train our minds to think in line with the Word of God. Doubts, fears and angers that normally crowd our thoughts will be put to flight by the peace that will prevail within our hearts.

Therefore, it is only natural that joy will be the overriding emotion of our heart. We will still face battles but they will be small in comparison to God's provision. We will still have to deal with ungodly situations but we will remember that these things are part of God's plan of good for us.

Take a look at the things that Paul said on the subject:

Philippians 4:4--KJV--Rejoice in the Lord alway and again I say rejoice.
1Thessalonians 5:16--KJV--Rejoice evermore.
Philippians 3:1--KJV--Rejoice in the Lord

Paul had more problems in his lifetime than any ten of us put together. Yet, he also saw more miracles than any ten of us. He also reached the lost and started more churches than any ten of us. Obviously Paul knew that one of the keys to victory was to rejoice in the Lord even in the face of danger or temptation.

Pick a few of your favorite scripture promises. Run them through your mind throughout the day. Allow them to become a reality in your spirit. Then begin to rejoice and give God praise for your answers in advance.

Every time the enemy tries to wedge a doubt, a fear, any anger or guilt into your heart, meet it with a joyful Word. Practice and persistence in doing that will help you to walk in great joy. The devil cannot handle your joy. He can handle your hate, your doubt and your fear. But he is repulsed by a continually happy Christian. Actually your joy keeps him at bay. He can only operate in the realm of the negative.

My plans are to be joyful and watch the blessings of God unfold.