Bishop David Oyedepo, the leader of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, addressed his congregation during the “Beware The God Of Gold Is On The Hunt For Precious Souls” session at AYAC 2023, as part of the Breaking New Grounds Day 5 Morning Session.
He shared that God had conveyed a message to him years ago, emphasizing that any losses experienced were prevented from becoming complete losses due to divine intervention. He highlighted the significance of joy in maintaining God’s presence and the role of depression in inviting negative influences.
He asserted that depression often leads to suicidal thoughts and that sustaining God’s presence requires a joyful spirit. Bishop Oyedepo compared this concept to inviting a shark to a place outside its natural habitat, stating that just as a shark cannot survive on land, God cannot dwell in an environment devoid of joy.
He said, “You can’t sustain God’s presence without joy. No! You can’t invite a shark to come for this Convention, he can’t survive outside water. God cannot survive in a joyless environment. You want His presence? Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice!”
Bishop Oyedepo explained that joy plays a crucial role in experiencing divine favor, which in turn triggers blessings and success. He emphasized that maintaining a joyful disposition is essential for retaining favor and experiencing the blessings of God.
He said, “When God stepped to the prison the foundation was shaken and every man’s bands were loose. You want your bands to be loosed Rejoice evermore! We saw Christ in prophecy, He was anointed with the oil of gladness above His fellows. Joy triggers the smell of favour, the joyful never loses favour. How many want to smell favour from now? It takes joy to carry the smell of favour. The joyful never loses favour.”