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It is more beneficial to be joyful than to be happy!
Happiness happens when something good occurs in our lives, while joy is an inner elation that stays with us regardless of our current circumstances. In essence, joy is lightness of spirit due to an inner peace, while happiness is lightness of spirit due to external stimuli.
It is possible to be joyful even when things are not going our way; it is advisable to ask God for a joyful spirit because through this state comes our strength and victory (Nehemiah 8:10b).
Do you now see why biblical heroes and heroines praised and worshipped God during times of adversity? When God is praised in song and in word, His Spirit descends, and with Him comes the reality that we can truly accomplish all things (Philippians 4:13).
To support my arguments, Paul and Silas praised God, and the prison doors were opened (Acts 16:25-26), King Jehoshaphat authorized praise in a military campaign, and victory followed (2 Chr. 20:22), and the first disciples were empowered with the Holy Spirit as they gathered and prayed on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).
The key to success is remaining joyful in the Lord no matter what you are going through.
If God has forgiven you for past mistakes, forgive yourself also, move on and be joyful. If someone else has wronged you, ask God for the ability to genuinely forgive, for lasting peace and blessings come when you forgive others. Are you going through tough times? Ask God for a joyful spirit, and watch your situation not only become bearable, but changeable.
Keep your joy at all costs; it is a gift from God, and with it comes your ability to bend but not break, to forebear, to overcome, and ultimately, to win!

Lesson of the Week

1. Believe that God will grant you His joy (Job 8:21)
2. Embrace your difficulties with joy (James 1:2-3)
Joy comes from God. Ask Him in faith, and your heart will yet bubble with inexplicable joy!   
No matter how long your trials last, the joy of God will strengthen you, and give you the state of mind to outlast your challenges and be perfected with a patient and persevering persona!
God has promised to stand with you through your difficult periods; through your mountains, valleys, deserts, and oases. Face your tough situations calmly and joyfully, because Jesus stands with you!  
Sometimes when we have done everything that is asked of us, the sensible thing to do is wait on God to do what He has promised – deliver, change, revert, restore, bless, promote, heal, and grant peace.
As you hold onto your joy this week, may your strength be renewed, and may others who depend on you be encouraged and inspired by your calm and assurance, and may your victory come quickly!
After all, God is for you; who can be against you?
May the joy of the Lord be your strength, and may you be a blessing to all who meet you this week.

Weekly Nugget: “Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows” (Hebrews 1:9; KJV)
Dr. Kene D. Ewulu ministers from Columbia, South Carolina, The United States.
All scriptures were linked from www.biblegateway.com

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