Unspeakable Joy

Experiencing Joy As You Never Have Before

One of the best feelings in the world is to experience pure, unfettered joy. I mean the kind of joy that makes you smile from ear to ear, that makes your heart leap — the kind of joy that makes you feel like you could literally do anything! When you experience joy, you see the world as full of possibilities, you see the glass as half full, and your inhibitions and insecurities about yourself take a back seat. For that moment, you tap into the best version of yourself. Just the thought of it is kind of freeing, isn’t it?

Guess what! That’s God’s preferred state of being for each of us. So much so that the Bible mentions “joy”, “joyful”, or “rejoice” 430 times. You get the idea that it’s really important to God.

One of my favorite of those 430 is Nehemiah 8:10, “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” In that verse, the word strength is actually a Hebrew word “maoz” which means “a place or a means of safety or protection.”

When we experience the joy of the LORD, it takes us to a place of safety and security that allows us to get our guard down so we can be our best self.

How do we get there? We find the answer in Psalm 16:11, “…in thy presence is fulness of joy,” which begs the next question — how do we get into His presense so we can access that joy? Psalm 22:3 tells us that God “inhabits the praises of Israel.”

So let me wrap this up for you: when we experience the joy of God, we receive the strength and security of His protection; this place of protection allows us to be our best selves; we get to that place by being in God’s presence; and we get into His presence by creating a praise atmosphere that welcomes Him in.

My suggestion for you today? PRAISE GOD! Sing to Him today! Speak well of Him today. Invite Him into your space and let His presence make you secure. Then tap into your gifts and abilities and have a tremendously productive and successful day. It’s God’s will for your life.

Just Some Thoughts,

Bishop

P. S. - God is moving on Main Street. You ought to come see us. Sundays at 9 am and 11 am at 120 E. Main Street, Humble, Texas 77338. DCI is the most loving church in Greater Houston where, together, we LOVE. LEARN. LIVE. and we’re even better when YOU’RE here! See you Sunday!