And We're Laughing in His Face

   The Devil doesn't appreciate it when we smile.  We hates it when we're happy.  He absolutely. can. not. deal. when we go around telling people about our exceeding joy.
   Satan's gonna do everything in his [small] power to bring us down.  He wants us to be depressed, defeated, stuck in a deep, dark hole.  The Devil knows that the joy of the Lord is our strength, and believe me, we scare him when we're strong.  He's gonna send annoyances, conflict, disaster, and sickness to make us feel sad and dejected.  He's pulling out all the stops, holding nothing back.
   And we're laughing in his face.  We have joy, unspeakable joy, because of Christ.  Nothing puts a smile on your face like loving and being loved.  God makes us so happy!  We have joy, and nothing and no one can steal it away.  We have joy, and we are laughing in Satan's face.  We have joy.

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Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;  but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

-1 Peter 4:12-13

 

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

-Acts 13:52

 

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.

-James 1:2