“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice!” -Philippians 4:4

It can be difficult to live out the above verse, but only because we tend to think of joy as something that comes and goes according to the circumstances in our lives. The truth is that joy is always with us…but it is up to us to cultivate it.

I dont mean “fake it till you make it”. I also am not suggesting we live in some stick your head in the sand bubble that ignores the troubles we are going through.

No matter how dark, no matter how difficult..there is always something to rejoice about. Rejoice even in the simplest of things: and again I say, Rejoice!

Be brave. One of the bravest things you can do, when living in a world full of bad news, is not only to remain prayerful but to remain joyful…and hopeful. Anyone can report the (bad) news but a true intercessor will go a step further and see God’s Hand working in, and thru, all things.

“I have said these things to you so that, united with me, you may have shalom. In the world, you have tsuris (persecution, tribulation, trouble). But be brave! I have conquered the world!” – -John 16:33 (CJV)

Joy is a Weapon. We ought to remain joyful as a sign that we are trusting in GOD’s Hand and plan. Not only that but we should remain joyful because joy is a spiritual weapon. Have you ever thought of it in that way?

1 Kings 1:40 says, “And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them.”

The hebrew word for ‘rent’, used in the above passage, is “baqa”, meaning: to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open — make a breach, break forth (into, out, in pieces, through, up), be ready to burst, cleave (asunder), cut out, divide, hatch, rend (asunder), rip up, tear, win (see https://biblehub.com/hebrew/1234.htm).

Can you imagine making a sound that was so loud…so powerful….SO JOYFUL that the ground, nearby, responded by bursting open? That’s supernatural!

Making a joyful noise sends a message out into the atmosphere – both physical and spiritual – that says you are not afraid, that you are placing your hope in the King of all Kings, and that you will not give into despair or be overtaken by doubt!

Joy is a Reminder. Making a joyful noise is a powerful reminder, to yourself, of the Kingdom you belong to.

It is a reminder to the enemy that we belong to GOD Almighty and that we will not give in to his (the enemy’s) schemes.

It is also a great way to worship GOD…reminding Him that we love and trust Him!

Psalm 100 says:

“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

During these uncertain times, one thing is certain – we serve a mighty GOD and He is worthy to be praised. Make joy a lifestyle rather than an occasional moment. Join in the band of warring worshipers by making a joyful noise unto the LORD. Together, let’s see if we can rend the earth!

Shalom to you all– Dr. Karen Michelle Ricci, ND