Joy in the promise keeper (Romans 15:13) comes from a guarded heart (Proverbs 4:23, Phil 4:7)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Enjoying this teaching by Bill Johnson, Warfare Through Lordship: How Trust in God Defeats the Enemy Bill Johnson teaches that joy rooted in trust and the Lordship of Jesus is not denial of hardship but a strategic act of faith. When believers count it all joy, they choose defiant perseverance that refuses anxiety and fear, which disarms spiritual opposition. Joy flows from confidence in God’s promises, especially that He works all things for good. This posture establishes victory before circumstances change. The Lordship of Jesus is tested most clearly in finances, relationships, and the inner world. Surrender in these areas produces freedom, unity, and clarity of mind. Joy becomes both shield and weapon, aligning believers with God’s perspective and securing spiritual authority.

Reminds me of my "life verse": Proverbs 4:23, Phil 4:7

Guard your heart with all vigilance, above all else, for it determines the course of your life, for everything you do flows from it, like a Spring of Life (living water John 7:38). - Prov 4:23

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Phil 4:4-7

Choose Joy as Obedience

• Joy is a deliberate act of trust, not a reaction to outcomes. Scripture: James 1:2–4; Nehemiah 8:10

Practice Defiant Perseverance

• Endurance is steadfast resistance under pressure, not passive waiting. Scripture: James 1:12; Ephesians 6:13

Anchor Hope in God’s Promises

• Hope is present joy based on future certainty. Scripture: Romans 8:28; Romans 15:13

Submit Finances to Christ’s Lordship

• Generosity reflects trust in God as provider and sustainer. Scripture: Matthew 6:21; Malachi 3:10; 2 Corinthians 9:7–8

Pursue Reconciliation Over Being Right

• Unity is a higher calling than winning arguments. Scripture: James 1:19–20; Matthew 5:23–24

Guard the Inner World

• Thoughts must align with God’s truth, not self-accusation. Scripture: Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8

Live Under the Lordship of Jesus

• Full surrender creates spiritual safety and authority. Scripture: Colossians 2:6–15; Luke 6:46

Use Joy as Spiritual Warfare

• Joy breaks fear’s grip and silences the enemy’s accusations. Scripture: Psalm 16:11; Isaiah 61:3

Reflective Questions

• Where is joy most challenged in my life right now, and what would defiant perseverance look like in that area?
• Which area most resists Christ’s Lordship for me today: finances, relationships, or my inner thought life?
• If I fully trusted that God is working all things for good, what would change immediately in my attitude and actions? 

Isaiah 55:1

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!

Come and Listen David Crowder