“We are writing these things to you so that our joy may be complete.”
— 1 John 1:4

When the king is in residence in his castle, they raise the flag to indicate that fact. One theologian said, “Joy is the flag which is raised over the citadel of the heart to indicate that the King is resident within.”  Joy is the flag.

Two workmen working in the street in front of a church were watching as the people filed in for Sunday morning service. One of them said to the other, “You know, I’ve seen a hundred or two hundred people go into that church, and I haven’t seen a single smile on any one of their faces.” That is tragic indeed.

The Gospel is a Gospel of joy, as well as of grace, peace, and love. At the birth of Christ, the angels said to the shepherds that they brought good tidings of great joy. Paul says in Galatians that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy… It is the second fruit of the Spirit.

Are our lives typified by joy? In looking at some people’s faces you wouldn’t think that they had much joy. They seem often to frown and be sullen and unhappy and show little of the joy of Christ in their countenance. Some people seem like the only experience that they have had is an experience of acid indigestion, instead of the transforming wondrous joy of Jesus Christ. If you want to experience more joy, remember this simple formula: J-O-Y means Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.

Lord, give me strength for today to put Jesus first and others second. God of joy, thank You for giving me so much joy all around me and joy within. Let Your joy overflow unto all the people  around me. Thank You for the joy of heaven…

IN GOD’S STRENGTH AND PRESENCE,
THERE IS FULLNESS OF JOY.