YOUR JOY IS CONTAGIOUS

12/13/2023

"For you will go out with joy And be led in peace; the mountains and the hills will break into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands" (Isaiah 55:12).

Today's theme scripture highlights the significance of cultivating an atmosphere of joy. The Bible instructs, "You shall go out in joy." But where are we meant to go? The Lord expects us to venture into the entire world. The definition of "all the world" may vary based on individual contexts—what constitutes the entire world for you may differ from what it means for me.

Your coworkers, children, siblings, parents, life group members, and others are integral parts of the world within your context. According to the Scriptures, you are directed to go forth with joy or joyful news. Another term for joy or joyful news is the gospel. To comprehend this directive better, consider the words of the Bible: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation" (Mark 16:15). Essentially, the Bible is urging you to enter your world and share joyful news. So, what constitutes joyful news for the people in your world? It is the announcement of the resolution of their struggles, shortcomings, and disadvantages. 

Moreover, the Bible emphasizes that you will be guided in peace. This implies that peace, which is the force of reconciliation between heaven and earth, will guide you as you engage with your world. And since there are no disabilities, sicknesses, or failure in heaven, this force will lead you to replicate heavenly conditions on earth. Additionally, the Bible states that the mountains and hills, symbolic of civilizations and their leaders, will resound with shouts of joy for you. In essence, they will echo the gospel or joyful news. Before long, many will embrace this contagious joy of winning souls.

However, it doesn't conclude there. The Bible mentions that the trees of the field will clap their hands, signifying recognition by the Church in both heaven and on earth. Luke 15:7 emphasizes, "I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." This acknowledgment is crucial, as it should spur you to bring about joy in heaven as well.

Pause today to reflect on the profound joy that the gospel, the message we are tasked to share with the world, can bring to those who receive it. Numerous lives will be transformed—people will regain their sight, illnesses will be healed, and advancements will be achieved, all due to the infectious joy we have been commissioned to disseminate. May God bless you abundantly as you embark on this mission of spreading contagious joy.

Faith-Filled Confession:

I am a bearer of the gospel of Jesus Christ, a bringer of joy to my world. This joy possesses the power to generate miracles, signs, and wonders in the lives of those who listen, creating a ripple effect. As they, in turn, spread this gospel, it forms an enduring impact that this world will never fully recover from, even beyond the Church's rapture. Glory to God!

Prayer Points:

Psalm 122:6, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you."

• Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. 

• Pray against plans to use the crises in Israel to launch other attacks in the United States.

• Pray for Washington and all who are in positions of authority in the United States.

One-Year Reading Plan: Daniel 11-12; 3 John