Choose God’s will of relentless joy –Pastor Odim Awa Odim: With this concept, from what Joy is as introduced in the scripture above, we should have a clearer understanding as such , if joy is a way in the spirit for living God’s kind of life, we should choose this way of life.
Philippians 4:4; [4] Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Will is the ability to be able to exercise one’s choice or intention. There are three kinds of will, namely God’s will, Satan’s will and man’s will. Let us firstly consider man’s will. This way of life leads to man reduced to his own ability which results to his resources reduced to his mind and body, his knowledge reduced to his five senses which are his sight, taste, smell, hearing and touch and this can only produce reasoning, which means he will function in the realm of his reasoning. When a man operates in his own will, it brings him under the captivity of the devil and circumstances. He loses his divine privileges.
Satan’s will leads to eternal damnation which is death and God’s will leads to God’s ability and life, a supernatural way of living, Joy is one of God’s supernatural way of living. God is the center of our Joy, man is created for joy and peace, sickness, sorrow or death had no place in God’s original plan. Hallelujah! This is so because joy is not a product of physical circumstances or happenings but rather, it is the fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22; [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Joy is listed as one of the fruit of the Spirit, suggesting that joy is a natural outcome of living a Spirit-filled life. With this concept, from what Joy is as introduced in the scripture above, we should have a clearer understanding as such , if joy is a way in the spirit for living God’s kind of life, we should choose this way of life.
Deuteronomy 30:19; [19] I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
This can now clearly resound to us that walking in relentless joy is about choices that we make. So, Child of God, God encourages His children to choose being joyful because of its positive attributes to our enjoying unmeasurable divine supply .
Why is Relentless Joy God’s will ?
Child of God, Joy is the will of God for us according to scriptures when the Lord showed us the way of eternal life through his son Jesus Christ. This concept of Joy which is a way of the Spirit is the evidence for our receiving in this kingdom through the finished works of Christ when we ask in the name of Jesus.
John 16:24; [24] Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
1. Joy encourages Relationship with God :
Psalms 16:11; [11] You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
In our daily walk with the Lord, God wants us to find joy as a way of a deep connection with Him. Joy is not just a human emotion but a divine intention for those who follow God’s will.
2. God’s desire for human well-being:
Psalms 118:24; [24] This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Ecclesiastes 9:7; [7] Go, eat your bread with joy, And drink your wine with a merry heart; For God has already accepted your works.
We can clearly see through the lens of the scriptures above that God’s will is often seen as promoting the well-being and joy of his creation.
The Raw material for our Joy.
From the scriptural background given so far in the introduction of Joy, I know you will will like to learn more, if joy is a way of life and it is born of the Spirit, what foundation should I depend on to really choose this spiritual way of living?
The word of God.
John 14:6; [6] Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
This statement was made by Jesus because he is the only way that we can relate or have fellowship with the Almighty God. God is a spirit but he extended his creation to this natural world known to be the earth realm which he made sure it is not only inhabitable by us but we should explore all the natural endowments that he provided for us and also enjoy His vast resources. But earth realm was built on senses, the things that we see, taste, smell, hear and touch, that is why we relate more to the senses. God who is a spirit needed a way to stay in touch with His children and that also simply meant that he needed a contact.
That was why Jesus had to come to fill this gap and he became the spiritual link to the father, remember Jesus is the living word of God
John 1:14; [14] And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
So when we read and study the word of God we come to Union with the father, through this process we relate with God the spirit through his word by so doing the spirit man in us is strengthened .
Ephesians 3:16; [16] that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,
When our spirit man is strengthened and alive. The fountain of God’s joy becomes an unending spring of energy in us. Praise the Lord!
What is Relentless?
“Relentless” is an adjective that describes something or someone that often implies a strong sense of determination, drive, or unyielding commitment, Continuing efforts despite obstacles or challenges. Relentless joy is possible, even in the face of adversity, when we focus on our relationship with God and trust in His purposes. This tells us since joy is of the Spirit, environmental factors does not contribute to our Joy but rather what the word says about us. So, in the mist of conditions that are not favourable, the joy of the Lord becomes our strength.
John 16:33; [33] These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 15:11; [11] “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
Examples of men in the Bible who lived in Relentless Joy.
1. Apostle Paul: Apostle Paul, Despite facing numerous hardships, beatings, and persecution, At one time when Apostle Paul and Silas was being imprisoned and beaten, Paul and Silas sang hymns of praise at midnight, demonstrating supernatural joy that transcended their circumstances.
Acts 16:25-26; [25] But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. [26] Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.
Paul consistently expressed joy in his letters. His joy came from his faith in God, gratitude for support, and hope in the eternal future.
Philippians 4:4; [4] Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
2. The Apostles: At one time After being beaten for preaching about Jesus, the apostles left the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. Their joy came from their deep faith and understanding of God’s purposes.
Acts 5:40-41; [40] And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. [41] So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
How to walk in Relentless Joy
From the stories illustrated above, the Apostles of Jesus Christ had one thing in common in their daily walk with the Lord.
1. Developing Unwavering Faith on God’s word.
James 1:2-4; [2] My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, [3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. [4] But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
2. Total Trust in God’s Plan
Romans 15:13; [13] Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. Adhering to a purpose driven life.
Jeremiah 29:11; [11] For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Romans 8:28; [28] And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Conclusion
Living a purpose-driven life with relentless joy requires trusting God’s plan, finding joy in His presence, and cultivating a heart that delights in His testimonies. By abiding in Christ and following His teachings, we can experience fullness of joy and live a life that honors God.
