Do you live in a perpetual state of joy? Is experiencing uninterrupted joy a utopian dream, not a realistic pursuit? Or, is joy provided and accessible for every believer in Christ? If joy is available, why are so many professing Christians living such stressed out lives, fighting off depression and barely keeping their head above the emotional water level?

If joy is to be our normal, regular and consistent state of living, then Jesus Christ should have modeled and encouraged it. Did he? Modern religion has often painted a picture of a pitifully sad, lonely and forlorn man. What does God’s word reveal about him?

 “God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you (Jesus) more than on anyone else.” – Hebrews 1:9

“At that time Jesus was full of joy through the Holy Spirit.” – Luke 10:21

“I experience absolute joy in your presence; you always give me sheer delight.” – Psalms 16:11

Not only did Jesus experience absolute joy, those who are filled with his presence can now experience fullness of joy. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” – John 15:11.

The angel who announced his coming declared, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people” – Luke 2:10. The apostle Paul wrote, “For the kingdom of God does not consist of food and drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 14:17. In fact, joy is mentioned as a fruit produced by God’s Spirit in a believer, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23. If you are filled with God’s Spirit, you will also be filled with God’s joy. His joy is in your spirit and must be accessed and released into your soul (mind, will and emotions). Then, your body will give expression to this joy through a smile, laughter, singing or a variety of other ways.

A key to walking in consistent JOY is:

J – Jesus. Love Him first and foremost in your life.

O – Others. Love them as Christ has loved you.

Y – Yourself. Love yourself and the life God has given you. You were worth   dying for, just ask Jesus.

Proverbs 17:22: “A joyful heart is good medicine.” A heart that is continually feasting on the joy of the Holy Spirit promotes healing and makes a quick recovery. But, some would argue, “I don’t feel joyful”. God’s word doesn’t say to feel joy but to rejoice [re-joy] in the Lord (see Philippians 4:4). We can release and feast on His joy by faith. Faith is basically acting on His word. We can act on his word concerning joy. Faith can laugh.

Laugh at the devil for he is defeated. Laugh with God for “the one who rules in heaven laughs” – Psalms 2:4. Learn to laugh at yourself instead of always taking yourself so seriously. If the devil can’t steal your joy, he can’t steal your goods. When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy (see James 1:2-4). Go ahead, LAUGH!!!!! It is good medicine.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in him” – Romans 15:13