Joy
Minister Sondria McWilliams
January 2026
I am starting to give a lot of time and attention to this three letter word. Recently, our Charis Bible Studies class has been digging into the book of Philippians. In these letters that Paul wrote (while in prison), he used the word joy or rejoicing 16 times.
To rejoice is an outward expression of a joy that’s on the inside. Paul was a happy prisoner. Was he happy to be in prison? Probably not, but it did not steal his joy. There is so much joy in the Lord. Why? Because in Him we are connected to life and love for all eternity. (Philippians 4:4) (Hebrews 12:2)
Because it is a fruit of the spirit, it is always on the inside of us. (Galatians 5:22) Through prayer, gratitude, and focusing on the Lord, we can always experience joy. (Isaiah 12:3) The strength that we need comes by being joyful. (Nehemiah 8:10)
As we currently continue to study Harnessing Your Emotions, we know we have the power to choose. As Andrew Wommack states, “Most people believe that if something negative happens, there must be a negative emotion to correspond with them. They see emotions as simply a response, not a choice. To them, emotions are not something they have any authority or control over; therefore, they have no responsibility for them”.
In all our trials and tribulations, we can count it all joy. (James 1:2) We are not worshiping our feelings. No more sorrow, regret or grief. We are choosing joy.
The Bible (Philippians) Harnessing Your Emotions; Andrew Wommack