Ps 68:3 ~ "But let the righteous be glad; Let them rejoice before God; Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly."
Jas 1:2 ~ "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,"
1 Jo 1:4 ~ "And these things we write to you that your joy may be full."

As Christians we should be filled with more joy than any other people group. For we alone are partakers in the glorious salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Above are a few verses that explain why we should be joyful, and in whom and what we should be joyful. In psalms we are encouraged to be filled with joy for God is our defender. He melts our enemies like wax and we should be joyful in this protection. In James we are to take joy for our trials are producing patience and is perfecting our character. There are so many reasons that we should be joyful. For God's blessings, provision, direction, commands, laws, statutes, holiness, suffering, righteousness, etc. etc. And most importantly for Christ's ultimate salvation for us.

Application
1. Pray that God would fill you with a deeper joy rooted in Him.
2. Even in hard times consider how God is growing and perfecting you.
3. Encourage others and share your joy.

Ps 27:1-3 ~ The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell.Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.
Ps 118:6 ~ The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
Pr 29:25 ~ The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.
Je 1:7-8 ~ But the LORD said to me: "Do not say, "I am a youth,' For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you," says the LORD.
2 Ti 1:7 ~ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Php 3:3 ~ For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,

God has commanded us to be courageous men and women of God. Often times, however, we live in fear. Fear of what people may think, what people may do, what we could mess up, and what we can't do. But the Bible reminds us that we should not fear what man can do for the fear of man brings a snare. We should not fear what we can't do even in our youth because God will deliver us. Our confidence is in Christ Jesus. If we live in the fear of the Lord God will be our strength and salvation. For He alone has given us a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. Let us therefor remember God is in control and we have nothing to fear.

Application
1. Pray for God to remove any spirit of fear.
2. Put your confidence in God alone. Stop trusting in what you can or can't do.
3. Avoid worrying about what others think or do.