TODAY’S INSPIRATIONAL: JOY TRUMPS!

Last night’s devotion on the joy of the Lord followed me to bed and this morning I woke thanking God again for this unspeakable joy. How did I ever live without it? I will tell you how, I lived with anxiety, fear, and pain. Those weapons of the enemy no longer reside in my space. At times they try and show up to visit, but they quickly leave because joy and peace has taken up residence. To God be the glory! Honestly, there are times that things of this world make me sad. My heart breaks for what breaks God’s heart. However, even though I am sympathetic to the things going on in the world, I am not moved by them. The Spirit moves me. My joy is spiritual, and it comes from God who I know is in control of every situation. Spiritual joy trumps physical happiness. Because happiness depends on something good happening. Spiritual joy is there regardless of what is happening within or around you. My joy comes from His Word. My joy comes from His truth. The world will not understand why you are joyous, why you are singing and dancing, why you are worshipping and praising God in the middle of a storm. You can be peaceful and joyous if you stand on His promises! It is the perfect opportunity to show the world who our God is and how He is working in our lives. How He wants to do the same in the lives of others. It is not just enough to sit back and keep from becoming like the world. We must let our light and joy shine so brightly that others will see it. And they will wonder how, what, where, and from whom does this joy come? It is the perfect opportunity to share how the joy of the Lord is priceless! Spiritual joy trump’s any happiness this world may offer! Love and blessings…

“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.” (Luke:8:16)

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

“Also, that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.” (Neh. 12:43)

“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 have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)