TODAY’S INSPIRATION: JOY!

It does not matter what it may look like on Social Media, how happy a person may seem to be, don’t get it twisted and get caught up in thinking that person or family has no issues or problems. And then proceed to get into your feelings. Asking yourself, why my life can’t be like that? Stop it. We all have been or are going through something, and if you are not right now, trust me, you will. That’s life. Some people only show you what they want you to see. And that’s their business. But there are  people who really are happy in spite of what issues or problems they are facing. Those are the ones to watch. Because it’s likely that those people have discovered the secret. What secret? I am glad you asked. The secret of not depending on what’s happening to make you happy. They can still smile, dance, and move forward with life, living it to the fullest because they have joy. Happiness is fickle, and requires happy circumstances. Joy is within and is not chased off by the troubles of this world. The ability to feel and show this joy doesn’t depend on good situations or no challenges in our lives. Money can’t buy it, it is priceless! This joy comes from God, and it is free to us all. However, it is not forced on us, we have to accept it. Real joy is found in God’s presence. The more we stay in His presence, we learn that He is in control and there is no power besides Him!

We need this joy, especially in these trying times with all of it’s troubles and uncertainties, it can seem as if our lives are spinning out of control. However we feel this joy knowing that in spite of, God is in control, and He is with us. When we can’t see the path or even the next step, God is with us. If you don’t know how you are going to pay the bills or feed your kids, God is with you. When it seems as if  everyone has deserted you, God is with you. When you are sick in your body and you can’t understand why God has not healed you, know that God is still with you. He is still the God who heals. Our timeframe may not match His, but rest assured, He is working it out for our good. His time is always the right time. The Bible says by Jesus stripes we are healed, I choose to keep believing this until it manifest. In the meantime I have joy, not because of the challenges, but because I know His grace is sufficient. Whatever the situation or problems you may be facing, know that God is with you, above you, before you, behind you, in front of you, within you, around you, beneath you, beside you, beyond you, and over you. It may look like you are surrounded by the enemy to others, they can’t understand why you still smiling. It’s because of the joy in knowing that God surrounds you!  

I will admit, sometimes it is hard to maintain this spiritual consistent joy. The enemy will try his best everyday to take it away. And even though it looks like he is attacking us physically, emotionally, and financially, the battle really starts in our mind. We must remember this joy comes from the Lord, not the world, so no circumstance or challenge can take it away. Family or friends can’t take it away. No other human being have the power to take it away. The enemy knows only we have the power to give it away. He knows we do that by our thoughts, then our actions. We must remember to govern our thoughts, take them captive. In happy or sad times, in comfort or difficulty, we find joy in the presence of the Lord! Love and Blessings…

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11)

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”  
(Romans 15:13)

“But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy!” (Psalm 68:3)
“For all power belongs to God, now and forever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:11)

“For all power belongs to God, now and forever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:11)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

“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)

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”  
(Romans 8:28)

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities: the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”  
(2 Corinthians 12:9)

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)