Throughout life, many opportunities will be presented to steal the joy the Lord has provided. It may be something simple that is uniquely or commonly irritating. Or it may be a larger, jarring circumstance that may cause frustration, worry, and fear. These things seek to take the comfort, delight, and confidence we have in the Lord and replace them with doubt, anxiety, and discouragement.
I love Isaiah 41:13: “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” What great comfort we have in this verse, remembering according to Galatians 3:29, “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” So, with confidence, we can put faith in these words to apply to us as well as Israel.
Joy comes in reading what God reveals about himself and our relationship with him as his children. This is why we must make time to familiarize ourselves with the truth of the scriptures to strengthen our faith. We need to know the God whom we can rely on and what He’s promised us. Do the scriptures not tell us that He is our provider, avenger, refuge, strength, help, fortress, healer, counselor, etc.? All of these things and more should bring us great joy in facing any circumstance or just living our day-to-day lives. We should never forget that the Creator of the universe is always with us and promises to never leave nor forsake us.
Jude 1 reminds us that the Lord is able to keep us from stumbling and to present us before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy! Further, Romans 12:12 tells us to “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
It will be a great advantage for us to schedule some time each day to engage with the Lord through the reading of His word and prayer realizing that according to Acts 2:28, He has made known to us the paths of life; and will fill us with joy in His presence.
So, let us not allow anything or anyone to steal the fruit of joy God has provided us through His Holy Spirit. We are greatly blessed!
Ms. Rita's Minute 