In these uncertain times, many Christians have become weary in their well doing, and have all but ceased to walk by faith. Instead, they are filled with dread and worry about the economy, their children, the war, their jobs—they seem to be inundated with so many cares of this world. This should not be. The Word declares that we are supposed to cast our cares upon Him, for He cares for us (I Pet. 5:7). But so many today seem to be burdened down with worry and depression. Why aren’t they walking in the victory that God has ordained for them in His Word?

Most Christians have no idea how to experience success and joy on a daily basis. Too many of them are just trying to make it through the day. But if you take the time to investigate the Word of God, you will find that it is filled with practical advise for joyful living.

If you are a Christian, walking in God’s love, a by-product of your lifestyle should be joy. In fact, it is one of the fruits of the Spirit (see Gal. 5:22). Joy is what allowed Jesus to endure the agony of the cross:”..who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross..”(Heb.12:2). But if we don’t know that it’s available to us, then it will do us no good.

Joy is not necessarily a feeling or sensation. It is the assurance that the Lord is your help, no matter what the circumstances: the joy of the Lord is my strength. When we are too weak, God is our strength, Our help in time of trouble. Sadly, many who profess to be Christians know nothing of this benefit and as a result, are suffering needless hurt and anxiety in their lives.

We’ve got to learn how to tap into the joy of the Lord and use it to overcome the issues of life. How do we do this? We start by spending time with the One who has all the joy and the strength.

Make a commitment to seek Him first and seek Him daily (Matt. 6:33). As you begin to do this, the Word of God tells us that our minds will become transformed and renewed by the Word of God (Rom. 12:2). This is time well spent, because as we get to know the Lord through His Word, we will position ourselves to receive the joy that comes from knowing Him and being in His presence: “..in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.(Psa. 16:11).

There is no perfect moment to start seeking the joy of the Lord. Right now you can make the decision to take Him at His word and start on the road to healing, health, happiness and joy in your life.

The presence of joy does not mean that you will have a trouble free life, but in the midst of the storms of life, you can have peace because you will have the assurance that the Lord is your help. Your strength rests in the joy that you have in Him. Remember, in Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).

So celebrate your life in Him. You can do that by just being thankful for the things that he has already done in your life and for giving you the desire to please Him.

Make your relationship with God the priority in your life. The more time that you spend with God on a daily basis (through prayer and studying His Word), the more you will experience the benefits that come from serving Him (Deut. 28: 1,2 and Matt. 6:31-34).

This joy is more than a passing feeling. It is the assurance, from God Almighty, that He is your help and nothing that you can ever ask or even think, is too difficult for Him (Gen. 18:14). Take Him at His word today and allow the joy of the Lord to strengthen you as you live for His glory!

By: Pastor Brenda Timberlake

Ministry:
Timberlake Ministries International
Christian Faith Center
Creedmoor, NC 27703

Website:
www.TimberlakeMinistries.com

Office Phone:
(919) 528-1581