How do we hold onto joy every day? When the world feels like it’s crumbling and the ground we stand on seems insecure…we can still have joy. If you have conflict within your own family…you can still have joy. Even if your marriage or relationships seems to be ending…you can still have joy.
Joy is an inside job. Joy comes from the presence of God. That is the way we know we can access it at all times.
Joy is not happiness. Happiness is largely circumstantial and is an emotion. Joy is from God.
I just really feel the need to release this word on the heels of what many are bemoaning as a disappointing election day last week.
First off, I don’t feel like it was disappointing. I feel like we’ve made good progress and I believe the great disappointed feeling many are feeling is coming from that same spirit of impatience that we’ve been discussing in previous devotionals. Second, our hope is always in the Lord. Always and in every circumstance.
We must stop allowing the enemy to discourage us. We must stop letting the church discourage us.
When God is our only influence then we stand on solid ground. The only solid ground is God.
But I want to circle back to joy…
David said about Him: “I saw the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices; because You will not abandon me to the grave, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.” Acts 2:25-28
It takes self-control and courage to continually tap into the joy of the Lord. It’s always available, but it is also a choice. We choose joy.
And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Nehemiah 8:10
The joy of the Lord is a strength. It’s so important to tap into this secret weapon. We have something that the world can’t steal and neither can the enemy…JOY!!!
Choose joy today!!
365 Days in the Presence 