My dear daughter came to me that day with these words; “Dad, I don’t know, I’m just full of joy. I can’t just explain it.” With her face truly beaming with joy, I responded to her; “You deserve to be joyful. Keep it up.” That conversation deepened my conviction about the force of joy.

Friend, joy is the code for accessing the blessings of the Kingdom. If one-third of the kingdom is joy, it means that you stand no chance of maximising the kingdom life and benefits without it (Romans 14:17). This is why the devil would do everything possible to take away your joy.

Joy is your fetcher! Can you imagine how stranded a man would be without a fetcher, even if he’s beside the well? This is the situation of many people today. They are surrounded by God’s goodness yet they do not live a good life. The problem is not the well of God’s goodness, it is the absence of the fetcher of joy (Isaiah 12:3).

Joy is the trigger! Joy triggers harvests. You don’t only reap because you sowed, you reap with joy (Psalms 126:5-6, Joel 1:12). Perhaps, the reason your labours are not bringing commensurate results is because of the absence of joy. This earth responds favourably to the voice of joy (Psalms 67:5-7).

Joy is the atmosphere of the miraculous! With joy, you draw the kingdom in your direction. Where joy is, God dwells, and where joy is absent, the devil tabernacles there (1 Samuel 16:14, 23, Psalms 22:3). Where joy is present, favour speaks and miracles happen (Isaiah 55:12).

The joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Without joy, you are but a weakling. Joyful people are always vitally strong. They face life with an unexplainable audacity. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). You have got it on your inside if you are born again. All you need is to bring it out. This is what it means to rejoice (Philippians 4:4).

‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria