The Joy Of The Anointed

One aspect of salvation that I recently noticed is that one of the characteristics of our Savior Jesus, is that of joy. He was according to Psalm 45, "...anointed with the oil of joy above your companions." This is great news and something to get hold of in these confused times. One thing that will help a person through difficult circumstances is a joyful attitude, and a positive outlook. It's not at all that we are unaffected by the challenges of life and the real tragedies that people experience, we all have or share and yes we feel the grief. But what is good news is that believers in Jesus have within us the Holy Spirit Who is from God Himself. Sometimes He is called the Spirit of Christ, and part of the traits of His Person is joy.   We are able to endure the hurts of life when they come because we have within us an overflowing source of joy and confidence that is fueled by faith in Jesus and His keeping power.
The church at Thessalonica was commended by the apostle Paul for their joy when they received the word of the Lord even though they endured much tribulation while doing so. It cost them something to follow Christ and reject the idols that they had known for generations in that culture.  That joy was not of themselves, or their own psyche, or their own human nature. It came from Him who is anointed with the oil of joy from before the foundation of the world. He sent His Spirit into their hearts and minds and they were able then to choose joy over sorrow. They were able to exercise faith,  rejecting doubt and to find the courage to press forward, rather than shrink back in fearfulness. This is a benefit and a vital aspect of the equipping work of God, Who gives us all we need for life and Godliness. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, and we will do well to cultivate an attitude of  gratitude, praise, thankfulness, worship, which in due time will all culminate in....joy! Actually, the presence or the absence of joy might even be an indication of the extent of Christ's Lordship in our lives. If He is Lord over all things as we say He is, then joy will be a result because He wants only good for us and will do only good. That's reason for joy. So today start by relaxing, give thanks to God for all His benefits to us, and simply but willfully receive His perfect will.  Then by faith, thank Him for the joy of the Lord that truly is our strength.