WOW – 18 MARCH 2026: THE JOY OF THE LORD

Senior Pastor Daniel O. C. | Mar 18, 2026

Calvary greetings to you in the blessed name of Jesus Christ our Saviour, Amen!

THE JOY OF THE LORD
Joy is not the absence of suffering; it is the presence of God.
Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Christ.
Therefore, do not faint, though the way seems long, there is joy in each condition.

The Greek word “Chara” is used for “joy and delight”.
The word “joy” is not a strange word in the Bible but sad to say that joy has become a strange word to many lives including Christians. It really saddens the heart of God that many of His children are sending Him telegram and short message services (SMS) complaining that they have no joy or even the will to live.

Many people have never experienced joy even for the first time in their lives.
They never had any joy in their families, work, church or even relationship.

THE WORD “JOY” IN THE GOSPELS
Joy as a word is frequently found in gospel Matthew, Luke and especially in John gospel.
But the word “joy” was only mentioned once in the gospel of Mark 4:16 as “gladness”.

PAUL’S EPISTLES TO THE CORINTHIANS
The word “joy” was absent in first epistle of Paul the apostle to the Corinthians.
Although 3 times the verb was used, but the word “joy” was used frequently in Second Corinthians.
They emphasize the reason of Jesus’ joy. (Luke 10:17-20).
JOY could be spelt as Jesus (first), others (in between) and yourself (last).

INSTANCES OF JOY
When the lost sheep was found (Luke 15:4-6).
When we receive the word of God as it is (John 15:11).
It is bestowed through God’s word (John 17:13).
Joy sustained Jesus on the cross (Hebrews 12:2).

JOY OF THE LORD PROMISED TO US
Neh 8:10 declares that the joy of the Lord is our strength.
Ps 16:11declares that in the presence of God is fullness of joy.
Ps 30:5 states that joy comes in the morning.
Those who sow in tears shall reap with joy (Psalms 126:5).
The saints shall shout aloud for joy (Psalms 132:16).

With joy we shall draw water from the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3)
The redeemed shall obtain joy and gladness (Isaiah 35:10).
We shall ask and receive that our joy will be full (John 16:24).
The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17).

To be continued.

Remain blessed and rapturable,
Yours to reach this generation with the Gospel,

Dr. Daniel O. C.