Rejoice in the Lord

Luke 10:17–20 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. 

Sometimes our joy can be misplaced. Our joy can even be on good things that shouldn’t be the focus of what makes us feel happy. The disciples of Jesus were astounded and excited about having power over the devils through the name of Jesus. While it was good that they did give glory to the name of the Lord Jesus, even He said the power to cast out devils isn’t the thing to rejoice about. Likewise, God tells us not to rejoice when our enemies stumble. 

Proverbs 24:17–18 "Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, And let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, And he turn away his wrath from him.” 

When someone that despises us does something wrongfully to us, and then we see some type of tragedy happen in their life, it might bring the question to our mind “Is God punishing them?” He may not be, but it’s possible that He might be. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t rejoice in that, but rather should take on the attitude of Moses who prayed and interceded for the children of Israel even when they were speaking evil of him and complaining about God. Moses understood that vengeance belonged unto God, but he also understood that mercy did as well, and therefore he prayed for God to have mercy upon Israel. God desires for our heart to be pure walking in the Spirit. He tells us to not rejoice when we have victory over our enemies whether they be physical or spiritual. What he does tell us to rejoice about is that our names are written in heaven. With a Christians citizenship being in heaven, no enemy of ours can conquer us. When you’re feeling weak, and perceive that people are against you, and that you’re in spiritual warfare with the devil and his angels fighting against you, remember that your strength isn’t in carnal weapons, but that the “joy of the Lord” is your strength. Jesus said to abide in Him and your joy will be full. As Paul told the church at Philippi, I exhort you "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” You will find your spiritual strength not by trying to be tougher than your enemies, but by having the joy of the Lord. 

Nehemiah 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.