JOY, NO MATTER WHAT!

Ne 8:10 says, “Do not fear, for the joy of the Lord will be your strength.”  

Sometimes you and I are faced with such frustrating circumstances that we are tempted to meditate on the problem rather than on the promises of God. Setting one’s mind on negative issues never brings about a good solution but thinking God’s thoughts does.

Philippians 4:6-8 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

God tells us through Apostle Paul not to worry or be anxious about anything. About anything? Could this really be true? The answer is an emphatic yes! When we choose to set our minds on God’s promises rather than our problems, we invoke the favor and blessing of God! I love what the psalmist wrote in Psalm 50:23 “He who sacrifices thank-offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.”

Complete trust in what God has said is what releases the power of God! We must believe him! A heart of faith will help you understand the great insight of Apostle Paul when he declared that God’s kind of thinking is categorized into two words – excellent and praiseworthy. We must determine that if our thoughts don’t line up with those two categories, they are not allowed! Is this difficult? Absolutely! This is why Apostle Peter encourages us by saying, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1Peter 5:6-7 

It takes a humble person to trust God! Apostle Paul told us and “rejoice in the Lord always.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16.  It is important to note that an unexplainable joy fills your heart and soul when you choose to trust God! Trusting God gives you the ability to live like King David, who said, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” Psalm 23:4 Apostle Paul said, “In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Oh yes! The secret to breakthrough is giving our cares to God and trusting him alone! 

I challenge you to cast your cares upon Jesus today and allow his delightful peace to flood your soul! I challenge you to trust God enough to let go of your worries and live in His joy! Just a sip from his ocean of life, and you can never be the same! He is in you and all around you right now! I assure you that everything is going to be alright! How about it? Come on – let’s do it God’s way because in him we can have… 

JOY, NO MATTER WHAT!