A fountain of joy

I believe that a deep, constant joy is largely lacking in the majority of the Church today. I have heard Christians say : "We are praying for a revival in our church." But awakening can not happen only through prayer. There can not be such an awakening unless people have a sincere hunger for the Word of God. And they must give up their lives to be governed by the Scriptures. We can not obtain the joy of Heaven until the pure Word has convinced us of our shortcomings.

When David disobeyed, he lost the joy of the Lord. This joy could only be restored by true repentance. David knew this, and so he prayed : "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is constantly before me ... purify me" (Psalms 51: 2-3,7). David also prayed to regain what he had lost : "Give me the joy of your salvation" (Psalms 51:12).

For his part, Esdras said in substance to the people who rebuilt Jerusalem : "You are hungry for the Word of God and you have allowed it to work in your heart. You repented and wept and God is pleased. But now is the time to rejoice ! Take your handkerchiefs and wipe away your tears. This is the time of joy !"

The glory of the Lord fell on Israel and the people spent the next seven days rejoicing : "And all the people went out to eat and drink ... and to give themselves up to great rejoicing. For they understood the words which were explained to them" (Nehemiah 8:12).

The Hebrew term used here for "rejoicing" means : "happiness, joy" It is not only a good feeling, but a deep inner exuberance. It was clear to all those around them that this fountain of joy came from Heaven.

When the Word of God is revered, the result is a spill of the true "joy of Jesus."

David Wilkerson