“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 and
leave  us down. For instance, one can suffer from a personal tragedy 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.

Unfortunately there’s often a false belief that children of God are not to be subjected to such events, of sorrow, and that where they suffer tragedies there is something wrong on their account. Yes, it’s true that there is an enemy out there trying to steal the joy of believers. After all 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 God has given us the spirit of 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).

More, we are called, “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 never be faced with those terrible events. 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).

But joyful we must always be. “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). 

So, 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, whatever the situation, to live triumphantly and bask in your goodness, this I pray in Jesus' name.