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Joy

Joy and happiness is essential in the Kingdom of God. The Beatitudes (aka The Jesus Manifesto) traditionally use the word “blessed”. We have heard it a lot. “Blessed are …” Most translators agree the better translation is “Happy” or “More than Happy”.

For the joy that was set before Jesus, he endured the crucifixion. The joy of the Lord is my strength.

We are a people of hope and joy! I must shout it out. Jesus has defeated death and is King of God’s country. Stunning!

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NASB)

The Holy Spirit brings joy to believers, giving them an inner contentment and happiness which is not dependent upon external circumstances.

The Greek word is χαρά chara, (khar-ah) meaning delight, gladness, and to be exceeding joyful. Exceedingly! Do you hear it?

Jesus rejoiced. Jesus is exuberant in the Holy Spirit. Jesus came to usher in the Kingdom of God in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus died for me but approached it in great joy.

Jesus knew how the story would end. Jesus was happy about it all.

Jesus does the happy dance. Seriously! Jesus “rejoiced greatly”. Jesus is smiling. Jesus is stunned with what God is doing. God is in a good mood. Jesus knew it. I believe that, do you?

Come on now. Let’s shout for joy. Here is the good news. I have hope. I have peace. I have it through the power of the Holy Spirit, given me by the Master Jesus, the Anointed One.