“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” – Proverbs 17:22 (ESV).
Every life has its ups and down. Sometimes there are events of misfortune that come our way regardless, like the loss of a loved one. In life no one is immune to upsetting events where things don’t go to plan. Just as there are good days; there are also bad days in any life.
One thing is there is an enemy out there trying to steal the joy of believers. We are warned, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). However, what counts most is that for all that which might come our way to put us down we do not let the enemy rob from us complete joy. “Be on guard that your life will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will come on you suddenly like a trap” (Luke 21:34).
To be joyful is a condition we are called to aspire to. “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18). The point here is not to deny that our lives will be faced with those events that seek to deny us of joy. After all Christ has warned us, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Being joyful is one of the blessings of a Christian life. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). Today, whatever maybe making you feel down, decide to be joyful. “Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy one of Israel among you” (Isaiah 12:6).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray that you fill my life with the joy of the Holy Spirit, to glorify you wherever I go, this I pray in Jesus’s name
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03/05/2024 - 04/05/2024 All day“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
Every now and then one could be gripped with fear because of certain events sweeping before one’s life journey. It could be the finances that are stretched and incomes are no longer certain. Perhaps it is one’s job under threat. Perhaps it is a dreaded health report card. There could be fear about outcome of a matter under judgment and what it might mean to one’s future.
Fear has been elsewhere described as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” Every life will experience fear at one point. Whenever we are faced with fear it is natural to look for something to grasp on. Sometimes we run for shelter wherever we can find. Perhaps we might seek out a friend for quiet confidence.
But there are those situations when there is no shelter in sight. There are also those cases where those we thought would understand our situation once we share our pain return only hurting and critical feedback. In such moments we might then turn and look within ourselves only to find the energy has all been sapped by this gnawing fear. We feel down and the urge to rise and move on all gone!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10) the word of God through prophet Isaiah assures us. But why? It is because the Lord has been there. He himself was faced with fear before his crucifixion but He looked to God.
Charles Spurgeon once wrote when faced with fear always remember, “Nothing is too hard for Him. He can find a way where there is no way. He can give us the idea that will make all the difference.” Psalm 91:2, says, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” So, when faced with fear, look to God to strengthen you. By looking to Him, the Lord will encourage and lift up your spirit, and make a way out of nowhere!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender to you any fear that is in me for I know by looking up to you, you will always make a way out of nowhere, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
