Our Joy Heard Afar Off

 Joy is something that we should have in our hearts. It is the fruit of the Spirit who is in us, as believers. We should be filled with joy all of the time regardless of the circumstances of our lives. However, that joy is not meant to be held in our hearts only. It is meant to be shared with other people. In fact, it is supposed to erupt from our hearts as we thank the Lord and praise the Lord, so people all around us can hear and see our joy.

That is what happened in Jerusalem when it was time to dedicate the wall which the people had rebuilt in record time. (Nehemiah 12:43) The priests and the Levites offered great sacrifices and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy. The women and the children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off. I am sure their joy drew the attention of all of the people who were around Jerusalem.

The same should be true for us today. As individuals, we need to be known for our joy. Remember, the joy of the Lord is our strength. We should walk in the Spirit, constantly listening to Him and allowing Him to fill us. Then, His joy will overflow from our hearts to others. They will see it as the manifestation of God being with us and in us. What a powerful witness!

As we worship at church, our joy should be so great that we can't help but sing at the top of our lungs. It should be one of the most joyous times of our week, as we come together with brothers and sisters in Christ, to celebrate our salvation and to sing the praises of Jesus, our Redeemer. Those who come to worship with us should be amazed at the way our joy can be heard from afar. Then, they will be drawn to know Jesus, too.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Esther 1-5.