“Thank You Lord for allowing it.” Those were the words that came out of my mouth after checking my result on campus. It was not what I expected. But I maintained my joy. The devil must have been confused that day. I did not act according to my condition but according to my conviction.
Friend, protect your joy (Nehemiah 8:10). Joyful people are a mystery to people and a confusion to the devil. The devil cannot handle them! If the devil can attack your joy he would affect your life. Joy is the foundation for your triumph in destiny (Isaiah 12:3). No joy, no kingdom flow in your life (Romans 14:17).
With joy, your ground produces, your business, career, ministry etc. produces. When joy withers everything goes down (Joel 1:12). Joy is the custodian of our glory in Christ (1 Peter 1:8). Joy is the atmosphere for divine operations (Psalms 16:11). Depression is the atmosphere for satanic works (1 Corinthians 10:10).
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). As a born again person, know that you have got joy. Whereas, happiness is a function of circumstances or happenings, Joy is a function of the Holy Spirit indwelling and in-working the believer. Most of Paul’s epistles were written while in the prison, yet his life was very impactful from prison (Philippians 4:4).
Joseph was in the prison and he could still cheer up other prisoners and even interpreted their dreams (Genesis 40:5-8). Like Paul and Silas, you will determine how long you would last in the prison of life by your attitude (Acts 16:25).
Praying in the Holy Spirit helps to activate and release the force of joy (Romans 14:17). Getting into the word and providing an atmosphere of worship are critical to living joyfully (Jeremiah 15:16, Colossians 3:16). The word of God provides the right perspective and worship dries up worry (1 Samuel 16:23).