Joy

The joy of the Lord is your strength and your stronghold (Nehemiah 8:10b (AMP). 

A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing. Proverbs 17:22 (AMP).

If God’s joy is our strength, and a happy heart brings healing to our bodies, it is only natural that we should clothe ourselves with joy.

The question is; ‘How do we find joy in the midst of challenges? How do we rise above circumstances that try to consume us. When life throws twists and turns at us that we are not expecting, how do we stay strong, as the scripture implies?

You have probably heard people say; When I have no problems in my life, I will be happy. When I finish college, I will be able to get on with my life. When I get married, I will be content. When I have kids, then my life will be fulfilled. When I am rich, then I can give to the poor. When I have my house just as I want it, then I can do ministry, business or think about my life’s passion and calling.’

The truth is, in life there will always be situations, challenges, circumstances or even excuses we make, which attempt to prevent us from living a life of joy,

Just like any one of you, I too have challenges that often stop me in my tracks, and at times have literally done that; ‘Stop me in my tracks.’ What I have learnt over the years though is this; The enemy knows where we are weak, so he will come and attack us in that space. His default narrative to us is one that produces fear and doubt in our lives. He is always challenging the voice of truth and of reason. Truth, which is God’s living word to us, the place we drink life messages into our spirit -including joy, and reason, which is purpose. Our ordained purpose God placed in us when He formed us in our mother’s womb.

Unless we understand what joy is – the joy scripture speaks of, we will always be caught up with a ‘When I’ mindset, which will rob us of our ‘now’ life.

Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is always dependent on how we feel or what is happening in our lives. Happiness wavers.

Joy is founded in God’s faithfulness to deliver us, guide us, protect us, and see us through to the other side. Joy is strength – ‘God’ strength. Joy is found in the knowledge that no matter what is going on in or around us, we can continue to walk in victory, peace, contentment, and yes, even joy. Why? Because God is faithful to His finished work.

Personally, what continues to keep me focused on joy, is my history with God. The same God who conquered every challenge and defeated every foe I faced then, is the same God who will be faithful to deliver me in each of the circumstances I confront today.

‘He is the same yesterday, today and forever,’ (Hebrews 13:8 – NIV)

Can I encourage you by saying this; God is faithful and He will either deliver you from or deliver you through the challenges you face.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)

There is so much to experience in your every day. Don’t miss it. Take your eyes off the mountain and focus on the God of the mountain and the God of the valley.

You will show me the path that leads to life; your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever. Psalm 16:11 (GNT)

Much love, Deb