Text- Proverbs 15:23 “A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!”
There is a kind of answer that is referred to as “A word spoken in due season”, and our text today makes us understand that this kind of word/answer sparks off joy.
A word spoken in season, ‘sermo opportunus’, refers to counsel given at the right moment and in the most suitable manner, when the occasion and the interests at stake demand it.
Isaiah 50:4 tells us the origin of this ‘word in season’. It says, “The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him...”
Whenever the Lord speaks, it is a word in due season, and when we receive this word, it sparks off joy!
Romans 14:17 says, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost”. So you see, the things of the Kingdom can be zeroed down to three things.
1. Righteousness
2. Peace
3. Joy in the Holy Ghost
Firstly, when God speaks, he does not violate the principles of righteousness. That's why God will not tell you to marry an unbeliever, or tell you to embezzle money in order to sow seed in Church.
Secondly, when God speaks, He does not violate peace. The Psalmist said in Psalm 85:8, "I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for He speaks peace to his faithful people. This was the subject of our discussion in the past few days.
Thirdly, when God speaks it erupts the rivers of joy deep within your belly! There's joy in the Holy Ghost. This will be the focus of our discussion in the next few days.
Jesus said in John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
There are certain thoughts, notions an ideas that spark off an unusual surge of joy within you. The feeling is unexplainable, but the joy cannot be curtailed. That's usually a sign of divine leading.
Coupled with inner peace, there usually would be a release of joy in your spirit when God is leading you in a particular direction. Train yourself to recognize it, and watch out for it as you trust God for divine leading and guidance.
PRAYER
Father, please help me to be more sensitive to your voice and to the leadings of your Spirit as you speak to me through Joy in my spirit in Jesus Name
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