✝️I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time seeing people walk around with frowns on their faces. They more resemble prunes rather than fresh, sweet, juicy oranges. Some say it is not realistic to be joyful all the time, but I say it is. 💪Scripture commands us to walk in the Spirit, and one of the fruits of the Spirit is JOY. If you are not joyful then you are not walking in the Spirit. Joy is an internal, deeply rooted sense of happiness that is demonstrated by external enthusiasm. This joy is like fresh water that comes from an abundant stream, which flows from the Holy Spirit. It is like freshly squeezed orange juice straight from the source. The joy of the Lord is a joy that only God can provide. It is a joy that flows from a dynamic relationship with the Lord, good stewardship over the things He places under our care, and an internal sense of accomplishment.📯

“His lord said to him, well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 25:23).

In Matthew 25:21 & 23, the Master rewards the servants with the two and five talents with greater responsibility and entrance into the joy of the Lord. True joy cannot be achieved without good stewardship. Joy is not just about being happy, but it is about feeling accomplished as well. Joy exudes out of accomplishment.📯 If you have joy but are not faithfully carrying out your responsibilities, it will be short-lived because it is not the true joy that is derived from an internal sense of satisfaction. However, if your joy comes with a sense of accomplishment and a growing relationship with the Lord, it will be true and lasting. This joy is contagious and characterized by:

• Peace

• Fulfillment

• Accomplishment

• Gratefulness

• Enthusiasm

• A Smile

🎉This joy has several benefits to entrepreneurs:

1. It is good for business – who would you rather do business with, a joyful person or a sad person?

2. It strengthens you – Nehemiah 8:10 states, “Then he said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.'”

3. It is good for your health – Proverbs 17:22 says, “A merry (joyful) heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”

My prayer for you today is that as you demonstrate faithfulness over your responsibilities, God will bring you into His joy.

Copyright © Patrice Tsague NPIM