Joy and Gladness

Pastor Mike Macintosh related the story of a woman who was told, “Have a nice day!”

Obviously in a foul mood, the woman shot back words along the line of, “No thanks. I’ve got other plans!”

How many of us have been faced with a blessing from God... either through His Spirit or via another person... and yet chose to wallow in our squalor rather than to receive what God has for us. It reminds me of a New Years Eve party at a ritzy hotel. As I arrived and walked through the entrance, I saw three distraught young women. One was wailing piteously. I inquired and was told that they were upset because they were about to enter a new year and they didn’t have boyfriends. I thought that if they would clean up their tears and straighten up their countenances, maybe some single man would want to talk with them. They didn’t like my suggestion and decided to leave the hotel before the clock struck midnight.

So what?

In the Bible, King David had experienced God’s punishment for a series of sins that started with lust and ended with murder. Yet, he didn’t resolve to die in his wretched situation. No, David cried out to God for two things.

What were those two things?

Make me to hear joy and gladness and be satisfied; let the bones which You have broken rejoice.

Psalm 51:8 (Amplified Bible)

David wanted to hear Joy and Gladness. He wanted to be able to rejoice... knowing that the joy of the Lord is our strength and stronghold (see Nehemiah 8:10). Well, we all know that David’s sorrow eventually returned to joy as he received God’s forgiveness (although, his behavior ultimately resulted in his family falling apart).

On a larger scale, Israel suffered when time after time they rebelled against God and were taken into captivity by their enemies. And, when the Lord ransomed them and allowed them to return to Zion, they received joy and gladness.

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing, and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Isaiah 35:10 (Amplified Bible)

Mary was told of the joy and exultant delight that would come from the birth of Jesus. But that rejoicing extends to day to the many who receive Him as Savior and Lord. I am reminded of a pastor in Iran who was originally a jihad leader. A member of his terrorist cell had confiscated a bunch of New Testaments that a believer had distributed. He burned all except for one, which was shown to the leader. The leader read it to find out what the infidels were up to. He started in Matthew and, by the time he reached chapter ten, he realized that he was not reading words of a man. Rather, he understood that he was reading the word of God. Today, this man is a pastor... and I have no doubt he is also rejoicing over the coming of the Messiah.

And you shall have joy and exultant delight, and many will rejoice over his birth

Luke 1:14 (Amplified Bible)

During some of the deepest and darkest periods of my life, I have sought the Lord and He has responded by giving me joy and gladness. While living in the Republic of Singapore, we wrote a song to that effect... a song that is a part of our Psalms from the Pen of the Ready Writer series.

Storm clouds are raging all around me
Dark breakers rolling on the black sea
But i won’t fear
‘Cause my Jesus gave me joy

Although the devil’s on the war path
My neighbors mock at me and they laugh
But i don’t care
‘Cause His Spirit gives me joy

Joy and Gladness
Not for what i see
But for what He’s done for me

Joy and Gladness
Oh yes, i believe
That’s what Jesus is to me

Joy and Gladness
That no one can destroy

Oh, He lives in me
And He fills my heart with joy

i focus on His precious promise
i’ll never be like doubting Thomas
Yes, i’ll stand firm
‘Cause my Jesus gave me joy

My Savior dwells within my praises
He guides me thru life’s darkened mazes
All praise to Him
For He fills my heart with joy

Joy and Gladness
Not for what i see
But for what He’s done for me

Joy and Gladness
Oh yes, i believe
That’s what Jesus is to me

Joy and Gladness
That no one can destroy

Oh, He lives in me
And He fills my heart with...

Not happiness for those things
i see or can possess
But joy in the Holy Ghost
Who gives me peace and rest

Are you feeling weak? Has the economy got you down? Is the strife in the Middle East causing you panic? Are you upset over politics or some other thing pertaining to this life? Well, take some time to seek the Lord that you may experience what Ezra told the people of Israel to receive...

Then [Ezra] told them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.

Nehemiah 8:10 (Amplified Bible)

Joy and gladness is a Fruit of the Spirit. If you are a Christian and are filled with the Spirit of God, then allow Him to manifest that fruit in your life.

If not... then why wait? Receive it right now.

BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST and EXPERIENCE that JOY AND GLADNESS that God has for you.

Amen.