Yesterday Pastor Mike Batinich from Janesville Apostolic Ministries shared an awesome message on the joy of the Lord. He shared the difference between joy and happiness. We can still have the joy of the Lord even if we are facing difficult circumstances. We may not be happy about something – yet the joy of the Lord will pull us through it. Here are some of the Scriptures he shared today:
Then Nehemiah, who was the ruler, and Ezra the religious leader and writer, and the Levites who taught the people, said to all of them, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not cry or be filled with sorrow.” For all the people were crying when they heard the words of the Law.
Ezra said to them, “Go, eat and drink what you enjoy, and give some to him who has nothing ready. For this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be sad for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
So the Levites made all the people quiet, saying, “Be quiet, for this is a holy day. Do not be sad.”And all the people went away to eat and drink, to share what they had, and to show their joy. They understood the words which had been made known to them -Nehemiah 8:9-12
And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. – Acts 13:52
for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. -Romans 14:17
And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. -1 John 1:4
So, it got to Alter Call and my husband and I are blessed to play music. We played “There is Joy in the Lord” and then a Medley I put together including “Trading My Sorrows, This Joy that I Have, and “I Get Joy.” When I heard the last two songs God asked me if I was willing to look ridiculous! And hey, you know me…it was a YES!
This joy that I have, the World didn’t give it to me
This joy that I have, the World didn’t give it to me
This joy that I have, the World didn’t give it to me
The World didn’t give it so the World can’t take it away!
I get joy when I think about what He’s done for me,
I get joy when I think about what He’s done for me,
I get joy when I think about what He’s done for me,
When I think of what He’s done for me
So I left the platform, got the two tambourines, and danced before the Lord. Was it comfortable – NO! I could feel the sneers of some laughing at me. But God had asked me to do it. So I did. Then, as Bob kept playing, I handed off the tambourines to two other women and asked them to help me ‘break through this’. They as well, joined me in the dance. Thank you Lord for people willing to get up and break out of the normal and rejoice before you! I had a blast and I am still dancing in my spirit. The heaviness I had before Church is gone.
So, my challenge to you this week – are you willing to look ridiculous if God asks? What if it meant that the heaviness would leave you?
Here’s some tunes to dance to – rejoice!
