Romans 15:5-6 “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Home | Daily Devotional

23
June 2012 | Saturday

Is Your Joy Being Stolen?

Nehemiah 8:10 - Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Megan had made the choice of following Jesus Christ and decided to make Him the Lord and Master of her life. She left her sinful past behind and was walking in the love and joy of the Lord. She was attending church regularly, growing steadily by reading daily the Word of God and by participating in the activities of the Church. During a series of fasting and praying, her past reared its ugly head and pointed accusatory fingers right at her face. It mocked her and hauled insults and names at her. She lost her footing, her faith was replaced with fear, she swirled and fainted; losing all hope.

In our weakest moments, we should depend heavily on the Word of God, for it says that the joy of the Lord is our strength! This is why it is so important to stay focused on His goodness and not allow people, things, and circumstances to distract us from the work that God is doing in and through us. We must recognize always that the devil is on his job - his job of stealing, killing and destroying (constantly!).

God wants us to concentrate on Him and delight always. Rejoicing builds up our confidence level and keeps us strong. When we are strong and confident, we are greater vessels to God and His Kingdom. Of course the devil will make us believe otherwise to let us down, or he will use people in our lives to try to get us down when we are glad in the Lord. In fact, the devil will do whatever he can to get our beliefs all off balance. But we cannot let that rob us of our joy. At such times, remember the way God has used us and the way He has blessed us.

Continue to focus on the things above and stay in His Will for your life. Don't let the devil steal your joy or your life. The joy of the Lord is your strength--yes, indeed, it is our strength! Be Blessed! Be Victorious!

Although sorrow may last for the night, His Joy comes in the morning... Trade your sorrows, shame and sickness for His everlasting Joy!