Hey guys, sorry for getting this week's blog out late, its been a very busy week!
I wanted to share with you one of my 2023 declarations. This year one of my words is JOY! I'm making it a very conscious effort to be joyful no matter the circumstances, which in essence is what joy truly is. I'm not naive'- I know that there are going to be challenging days, days when I'm tired, or anxious or upset or just want to throw in the towel, and it'll be in those times I'll need to have joy. The bible says "Do not grieve, for joy of the Lord is your strength in Nehemiah 8:10. We have to come to realize that our joy is not wrapped up in material things, even if those things are great. IF the bills are paid, we have money in the bank, we possess nice houses and cars- does our joy hang on those circumstances ? IF so, where will your joy be drawn from if you lose your job, your spouse walks out on you, or your friends become few? All earthly things are just that-- earthly. We are to set our minds on the eternal, on things above. When we adopt that mindset we come to know that real joy is rooted in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4. says "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." Anytime you see the prefix "re" in front of a word, it means to do again. In that verse Paul is encouraging the Philippians to constantly re-up their joy! It's like getting a recharge, filling again.
Here are 4 ways you can re-up your joy:
1) Remember all the things God has already done and performed in your life. If you're out of work, remember it was God who blessed you with that previous job, He also knew the outcome, and because He is omnipresent- He is with you now and preparing you to go to that next job! Be joyful and excited so you can receive that blessing and believe it is on the
way!
2) Read encouraging scriptures and pray when you feel your joy has been zapped. What you fill your mind with makes a difference on your mood and outlook...and the enemy would love to play tricks on your mind and tell you to be depressed or disgruntled over your current situation. Combat those thoughts with the word of God. Don't know what to read? Google bible verses about joy. Lots of scripture will come up for you to meditate on.
3) Be in good company! Surround yourself with like minded individuals. The worst thing you can do when your in a joyless rut is to pair up with others who don't have any connection with God or bring you down further. Iron sharpens iron, and you need to be mindful who is in your space that may be negative, rejoice in your downfall or is planted in your life by the enemy to stir up doubt, confusion or drama in your life. Stay away from those people.
4) Ask the Holy Spirit for comfort. Sometimes we forget that the Holy Spirit indwells us. He equips us, comforts us and yes even cultivates joy in our lives when we yield our joyless moments to Him. Interact with Him daily, put on worship music, do a journal entry, sit and meditate on God and flat out talk to Him. I've had candid moments and said outloud "Ok Jesus, today aint the day..I'm not feeling this mood or whatever this is. Get me out of this funk!" It's ok to talk to God just as you would a friend. He knows us, our true feelings, and even better He knows how to relate to us. Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit and real believers have him. Ask Him to re-up, refill you with new joy, and He will.
Do you have a word of declaration for 2023? I've got several and this week I really had to concentrate on being and staying joyful. Try those tips above and come back here and let me know in the comments how they work for you!
Below are more scriptures to meditate on for those joyless moments.
Stay shining!
Kee Isadore
Psalm 30: 5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
John 15: 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
1 Peter 1: 8-9 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.
Romans 14: 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Psalm 32: 11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
This was so very timely and helpful! Last week I was reading about the sacrifice of joy so this was right on time! I WILL “re”joice and live with LIMITS!