Jan 09 – New Joy!

“for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17)

In this verse, Apostle Paul writes about the new joy through the Holy Spirit. Before we came into Christ, gladness was found in eating and drinking. It was found in drunkenness and excitement, spending time on movies and drama, spending time with friends and relatives. Such gladness is however temporary and unreal.

But when you become a new creation in Christ, you get the most excellent joy – the joy of the Holy Spirit. Apostle Paul writes thus in his epistle to Ephesians: “be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:23-24).

New anointing, new spirit and new joy are all part of your inheritance. The Lord has promised them for you. Our Lord Jesus said: “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you (Luke 24:49). “you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Acts 1:5).

Before He ascended into heaven, Lord Jesus promised of a Helper. He said: “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:16-17).

Jesus Christ Himself is a Helper. And the Holy Spirit is the new Helper. He abides with you and helps you. He consoles you, embraces you like a mother and comforts you. What a great privilege it is to have His abiding presence with you!

Human spirit is weak. So, when you rely on your human spirit, you get weary often, and lose all your enthusiasm. Trials and sorrows weaken your spirit. That is why King David prayed for the restoration of the joy of God’s salvation and to be upheld by God’s generous Spirit (Psalm 51:12).

When you are upheld by generous and exuberant Spirit, you are filled with the joy of salvation, gladness of heart and boundless delight. When you are filled with an exuberant spirit, you will perform all your responsibilities towards family and to God, with joy in your heart. Children of God, may you be filled with such new spirit and new joy every day of your lives.

Verse for further meditation: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:14).