Joy is a positive human condition that wells up from deep inside the soul and usually reflects in human action. The Bible uses joy both as a feeling and an action. Joy as a feeling is called forth by well-being, success, or good fortune. A person automatically experiences joy as a result of certain favourable circumstances. This kind of joy cannot be commanded, something must happen to activate the feeling of joy. For example in Matthew 18:13, the shepherd had a feeling of joy when he found his lost sheep. In Luke 13:17, the multitude was joyful when Jesus healed a Jewish woman whom Satan had bound for 18 years. Also in Luke 24:54, the disciples returned to Jerusalem rejoicing after Jesus' ascension to Heaven. Furthermore, Paul mentioned his joy in hearing about the obedience of Roman Christians in Romans 16:19. All these confirm joy as a feeling.

On the other hand, joy as an action is the kind of joy that the Scripture commands. This kind of joy can be engaged in regardless of how a person feels; the Bible calls it the joy of the Lord. In Psalms 137:1-4, the Jews on exile were unable to entertain their captors with music because of their obvious sadness; their feeling was contrary to joy. You could experience the joy of the Lord regardless of your personal feelings and in whatever circumstance you may find yourself. Jesus instructed His disciples to rejoice when they were persecuted, reviled, and slandered according to Matthew 5:11-12. James 1:2 tells Christians to count it all joy when they fall into various trials because such trials produce endurance. Therefore, this makes joy in adverse circumstances possible only as a gift of God for God's children. In this regard, Psalms 30:5 says:
"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

The coming of joy in the morning is such a powerful concept considering what night and morning stand for. Night symbolises a period of darkness, evil, insecurity, and uncertainty. Morning signifies a new beginning and renewed hope. The morning light uncovers events of the night and provides an opportunity for renewed daily activity. Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us that God's love, mercies, favour and compassion are made available for the benefit of Christians daily. I therefore decree; despite what you may be passing through, your hour of darkness will soon pass away, and joy will become your permanent companion in Jesus' name.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.