In our previous meditation, we showed that peace is a gift of God. This gift surpasses what anyone or any organisation can offer. This much can be said of joy as well. The kind of joy which the Lord gives is not conditioned by our external circumstances. It is something much deeper and flows from within. Apostle Paul demonstrated this in a number of ways. In recent times, we have had occasion to refer to his attitude when beaten alongside Silas and hauled into jail. They resorted to singing in the night. Their response was not typical in any way. Most people in their situation would be sighing, grieving, and complaining.

Walking with the Spirit of God in fellowship and obedience is a sure way to activate joy which no force on earth can quench.

In his writings to the Philippians, Paul explained that divine joy does not depend on external circumstances. In two separate instances, Paul exhorted the brethren to rejoice. One of those instances is found in our main text today. Before this, he had written similar things in chapter 3:1 –“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.” A point that must not be lost is that Paul wrote this epistle from prison. This paints a picture of a man who had risen above his unpleasant circumstances by the help of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised those who believe in Him that out of their bellies will flow rivers of living water. We understand that the “rivers” here symbolizes the Holy Spirit. Walking with the Spirit of God in fellowship and obedience is a sure way to activate joy which no force on earth can quench.