THE JOY OF THE LORD...PART 2

The Joy of The Lord.

Many a times when we the think of this statement 'the joy of the Lord' we often think of ourselves. Especially because we know that the joy of the Lord is our strength. So i can imagine how difficult it could be for us to direct this statement to what brings God joy. But i think it's about time to think about the things that bring joy or gladness to the heart of God, and how we can contribute to that.

I have grown to understand that God is a God of plans and purpose. He created everything and everyone of us for a particular purpose and it is His will for us to accomplish that which He created us for. And in other for us to accomplish anything God has planned for us to do, there has to be a starting point. It's like when you are pregnant with a baby, even before they are born, you plan for them to go to college and obtain a particular degree that would enable them to live a particular quality of life. We hear people saying education is the key. So from when our children are born it's like we can't wait for them to start going to school.

I have seen parents preparing for their child's first day of nursery school as if they were preparing for someone going to a university. They know it's just the beginning and the child has a long way to go but just the fact that the child is starting school which was their long set plan for the child, gives them great joy. This got me thinking, how much more will God have joy when we begin to move in the things that God planned for us before the foundation of this world. How excited will God be to see us moving in our purpose? If a parent could be so joyful and excited to see their child starting nursery school. How much more will God be joyful and excided to see us taking those little steps in fulfilling what he has called us to do. Just as it's the joy of a parent to see their child move in their purpose, i believe it is the joy of the Lord to see us, His children starting or doing what He has called us to do.

It was the plan and the will of God for Zerubbabel to build the house and as the work started, Zechariah 10:4. lets us know not to despise the day of small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices (is glad, is happy ) to see the work begin and to see the plum line in the hand of Zerubbabel .

Doing the will of God gives Him joy. I believe that is why Jesus said, 'my joy comes from doing the will of my Father'. In this case Jesus was just reaping what He sow to the Father. His obedience brought God joy, so He also reaped joy. So if i am asked what the joy of the Lord (Jesus ) is? The answer is, is the joy of the Lord is doing the will of His father. And we as the disciples of the Lord are supposed to follow His example. I believe if we set our hearts to do the will of Father like Jesus Christ, we will bring God joy and in return we will receive the joy of the Lord.

I pray that our desire will be to do that which pleases God and brings joy to His heart In Jesus name.

Evangelist Claire Revealed