In our meditation yesterday, we emphasized the superiority of the peace of God over the mediocre approaches to peace. The focus today is the joy of the Lord, which is equally different and superior to all the joys that the world could offer. To begin with, we must appreciate the fact that both peace and joy are like conjoined twins. Lacking one is lacking the other as they both reinforce themselves. Peace and joy are like complimentary spiritual articles; and regardless of race and gender everyone desires them. Unfortunately not many people know how to go about getting them. Just as Jesus promised peace, He also promised joy. Here again, we must learn how to activate it.

“When you shift your focus to the Lord, you will discover that nothing can compare with the joy of His presence.”

There are three sources of joy according to the Psalmist. The first is the strength of the Lord as shown in the first part of Psalm 21:1-“The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD..” The other half of that verse shows the second source of joy-“and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!” The third source is found in Psalm 21:6-“For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.” For David, the strength of the Lord, the salvation of the Lord, and the countenance or presence of the Lord made up the channels of his joy. If you like, the first foundation of joy is the Lord; the second foundation of joy is the Lord; and the third foundation of joy is the Lord! Why do so many people go through life frustrated and unhappy? Because they seek for joy from material things. When you shift your focus to the Lord, you will discover that nothing can compare with the joy of His presence.