His Joy
"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end..” (Isaiah 9: 6-7)
It's the Christmas season and a special time to experience the “joy of the Lord.” God truly desires for us to live in joy, not just during Christmas, but every day!
“The joy of the Lord is our strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
Ever feel as if your strength is running out? Feeling exhausted and discouraged? Are you having thoughts of giving up? Some days, the attacks of the devil can almost drain our strength. We've probably all said at one time or another, “I don’t know how much more I can take!” Sometimes life piles burdens on our shoulders and we feel we can’t take another step forward. The above scripture is so important for our lives as we can’t make ourselves be happy when we feel the world is closing in around us.
When it seems to be getting worse, the devil will speak in our ears to have a pity party and just feel sorry for ourselves. But God is saying to His people, “Rise up! Look unto Me for I am your joy! I will cause you to be an overcomer! I will make a way for you where there seems to be no way.”
God is victory! No matter what we’re facing during this season, God desires to fill us with His joy, which is our “strength.” If we’re not strong, then we’re weak. As Christians, we’re called to live a life of strength so we can be overcomers!
How do we receive the strength we need? Read again, “The joy of the Lord is our strength!” The answer is joy! Not just any superficial joy, but true joy that only comes from God. We receive this gift of joy by spending time with Him through worship, prayer and His Word.
When we begin to feel sad and depressed, we should begin to worship God. It might be a challenge at first, but as we we begin giving God thanks for what He’s doing and for who He is, the sadness will begin to lift.
Years ago, I was experiencing sadness. I don’t even know where it came from, but I found myself feeling very sad and depressed. Thankfully I knew God’s Word and I began quoting Nehemiah 8:10 over and over. I was actually driving at the time so I began saying, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” I repeated this verse over and over! Almost immediately, the sadness lifted and I found myself happy and full of God’s joy!
Friends, God desires for you to be happy and full of His joy! He desires for you to enjoy your life! How can we encourage or help others, if we’re sad? We know it’s impossible.
Let's choose to live this Christmas season to the fullest. let’s spread the love of of Jesus to those we come in contact with. Let’s choose to be patient with employees, friends, family and others. Let’s choose to smile (even while wearing our mask) and look for the good in others! let’s choose to forgive others as Jesus instructed us to do.
When we follow the ways of God, we will be filled with His joy and be able to live and enjoy our lives to the fullest!
Jesus is the answer! Jesus is your answer!
Prayer changes everything!
