If we, as born-again children of God, possess this thing called “joy,” we must ask ourselves: Do we live like we “own” it? We “own” houses, cars, electronics, jewelry, clothing and businesses, and we use them and we guard them—right? You wouldn’t just let someone waltz in and steal your favorite guitar without putting up a fight would you? How about your family heirloom jewel? No—of course not!
Joy is ALSO a priceless possession—so are you allowing someone to take it from you???
Right? But we do—don’t we? Therefore, if you place any value on possessing joy, you need to guard it even more than you would guard your most priceless physical possessions. Where does this great gift of joy come from? The Bible says of God:
“You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalms 16:11
When we really know God, HIS presence brings us our greatest joy. When our heart is wrapped up in Him, we experience the fullest joy known to mankind. But when we take our eyes off GOD as our greatest Source of joy and we get wrapped around the axle by killjoys or our circumstances—joy evaporates like a mist in the desert. Don’t give thieves the keys to your soul-house! Don’t allow them to steal one of your most priceless possessions!
Just because that boy didn’t text you back, doesn’t mean you have to lose your joy.
WHAT—no one liked your Instagram post—time to get bummed for sure!?!
The boss didn’t give you a raise or show enough appreciation for you?!?
The fact is, we will always be disappointed by other people because they are not capable of giving us consistent joy. It’s like the love-thing from yesterday’s devotional…people can’t give it to us at the level God does. We are surrounded by potential joy thieves and sometimes….WE are our own worst thieves! But….
God wants us to “own” our joy.
Own-it, baby!
In the fullness of God’s presence, no person or circumstance can steal your joy.
Each morning when you awaken, greet God even before you get out of bed. He will draw you into your morning quiet time. He will walk with you out the door and into the places you must go. Throughout the day, He will identify the people and things that may take away your joy. He will give you grace to handle the situation. He will remind you—HE IS your joy. God will never leave you or forsake you.
Deep and lasting joy is not a state of delirious, giggling happiness; rather, it is absolute contentment in any situation. Joy manifests itself by giving true peace—even in the most terrible circumstances. The challenge is for us to be mindful to—”own our joy!” Remember…
When God is for you, no one—not even yourself—can stand against you!
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Romans 15:13
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