Be Joyful

BE JOYFUL

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2

The Bible says, “the joy of the Lord is our strength.” O how you need some strength to triumph this year. Most of us are weak because we lack the joy of the Lord. Note, not the joy of the world but the joy of the Lord. The joy of the world depends on circumstances, but the joy of the Lord comes from the hope of the glory of God.

   Because the devil knows that the joy of the Lord is our strength, he will do everything in his power to still our joy. How sad it is that most of us have lost our joy in the Lord. We can lose our joy for several reasons:

•  Wrong focus. Paul and Silas were able to praise God despite severe trials because they centred on Jesus. Concentrating on our difficulties will cause delight to disappear. Refocusing through praise will bring it back.

•  Disobedience. Sin steals our joy because it separates us from the Lord. As we receive forgiveness and obey Him, joy returns.

•  Regret. We crowd out gladness when we continue to feel bad about past mistakes and failures. Our Father wants us to believe that He forgives us (1 John 1:9) and live in His grace and move ahead.

•  Fear. Too often we attempt to live out the future before it has happened. With so much outside our control, we become afraid. Joy and fear cannot coexist. The Lord calls us to live by faith, asking Him to meet today’s needs and trusting Him with the future.

•  Someone else’s suffering. How can we rejoice when others are hurting? Romans 12:15 says we are to weep with them, but we are also to offer the hope of God’s presence, power, and provision. A downcast spirit is a poor witness for hope.

   What excuse have you been using for your lack of joy? Fix your gaze on the Lord and let His joy fill your heart in power and strength.

Prayer: Lord, let Your joy be my strength.

Scriptural Reading: Roman 5 : 1-5

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

NKJV

Be Joyful