The Bible states in Acts 20:21–29 that the joy of the Lord is our strength, our rock, and our shield. I have witnessed many tribulations and sufferings in this life. For the sake of the gospel, numerous individuals face persecution, beatings, and even death. A friend of mine from India reported that two gunmen jumped and severely beat a couple of his evangelist friends who were returning home after witnessing for Jesus. But the Lord’s joy sustains them and me. Two ministers went to a village and prayed for a blind man. The man felt lost in the country; no one could find him. Day after day, they looked. The villagers were on the verge of abandoning the ministers and the gospel, but as the ministers prayed once more, they discovered the man still alive in a culvert, sustaining himself by consuming water. They were all filled with joy because the Lord was with them all the way.
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They glorified God for His mercy and strength. I continue to hear about the salvation and conversion of hundreds of people. Paul witnessed and suffered in the gospel, but each heartache, tear, and persecution strengthened his resolve. This is a man whom we can imitate and copy with our desires to serve the Lord in spirit and truth. And where did Paul receive his strength? Where did Paul receive all his inspiration from Jesus? Acts 20:21-29. Acts 20:21–29 testifies to both the Jews and the Greeks about their repentance towards God and their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I am bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen there. Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, nor count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
Therefore, I take it upon myself to record this day that I am pure from the blood of all men. I have not hesitated to share all of God’s guidance with you. Heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. I know this: after my departure, grievous wolves will enter among you, not sparing the flock. And now, behold, such strong words, such powerful words. In our daily walk with God, what sustains us as Christians? What is the joy of the Lord? The joy that keeps us on that narrow road, sometimes filled with pain, suffering, and persecution? What is the joy of the Lord? What keeps us staring at a cross—too many signs of pain, death, and humiliation? What is the joy of the Lord?
That keeps us away from idols—that man carves from wood, stone, and gold, which can neither talk, hear, nor answer prayers? Have these idols sustained them in life? Have these idols answered prayers? Have these idols protected them from sudden destruction—earth quakes, floods, famine, tsunamis? Have these idols ever fed, clothed, or housed a Singel person? Ask yourself: Where is the joy in their idol worship? Just stop and look around. Every nation on this earth that rejects Jesus suffers; every nation that worships idols suffers from drought, famine, and petulance, and yet they continue to worship a god made of stone. What is the joy of the Lord? The joy lies in knowing that God always provides for our daily needs, that no matter what happens to a believer, God is always present, and that all we need to do is extend our hand and touch His hand. The joy lies in knowing that, even if we lose our lives for Him, we will gain far more in the House of God. Think about it: what other religion offers eternal life, what other religion offers peace and safety, and what other religion offers love for all men? Psalms 37:25 I was young, and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging for bread.
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging for bread. Is this our joy? Is our God a God of promise? Yes, He is a God—not only one who will make promises, but also one who is able to deliver. I have never seen an Idol send down bread or water to its followers; I have never seen an Idol comfort widows, orphans, or the sick; I have never seen an Idol raise the dead. However, I have witnessed Jesus provide all these things directly from the Father. I have seen the dead raised, the hungry fed, the naked clothed, and the homeless provided with shelter. That is our joy in the Lord. Through pain, suffering, persecution, and hatred of our Lord, we still stand firm in our joy. Hab 3:18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, in the God of my salvation. Now, as my head rises above my enemies, I will offer joyful sacrifices in his tabernacle and sing praises to the LORD. I will offer sacrifices of joy, not burnt offerings, not unaided pain, and not idols made by man, but sacrifices of joy, singing, laughter, and tears. We raise our voices in song, not just for our God but also for our Father in Heaven.
This is not because we are mere servants; rather, He has made us joint heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven alongside His Son Jesus. Neh 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord; neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Zep 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of you is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over you with joy, he will rest in his love, and he will joy over you with singing. Have the idols of this world ever sang for joy over His children? Our God and Father do; His joy is ours to share. Mat 25:21 His lord said to him, Well done, thou devoted and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
1Th 2:19 For what is our hope, joy, or crown of rejoicing?
