Today the world is joyless, full of shadows, disillusionment, and fear. Freedom is rapidly disappearing from the face of the earth, an a great many of the things that bring happiness and pleasures in life are also disappearing. Yet, The joy which the Holy Spirit brings to our lives lifts us above the circumstances of our lives. Joy can be ours, even in the midst of the most trying situations. Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us that “… the joy of the Lord is our strength” Our spiritual joy is not dependent on our circumstance. God, by His Spirit, directs His joy to our bleak, problem-riddled lives, making it possible for us to be filled with His joy regardless of what is going on around us. Joy is different from happiness, as happiness is momentary, but joy is deep and abiding despite the worst of what life may bring to us. The Joy of the Lord is the flag that flies above the palace when the king is in residence. Check your heart, and see if the King of kings, Jesus Christ, is in residence in your life. If so, remember 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, raying without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”