"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls" (1Pet.1:8-9). Is the joy of the Lord your strength today?
As followers of Jesus we have much reason for joy. The Most High Father has given us assurance of His love and protection, for example in Psalms 23 and 91. He has proven His love by dying for us on the cross when we were still sinners. Through His sacrifice, He opened the door for us to eternal life when we repent of our sin and accept Jesus as our Saviour (John 3:16). When we do this, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
However, although joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal.5:22-23), we seldom see joy in the followers of Jesus. Life is hard and there are many obstacles and emotional challenges that steal our joy. Those in Christ should expect difficulty in this life as this world is ruled by our adversary, satan. As a result, some of us are afflicted with physical and or mental illness, others struggle financially or encounter relationship difficulties while many others are bound by various forms of addiction. Around us we see much darkness and sin including violence, murder, crime, greed, abuse and sexual sin and so much more.
The Word teaches us to endure and overcome. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance" (Jam.1:2-3). Remember the words of wisdom in Nehemiah 8:10: "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength".
Brothers and Sister, if you have repented of your sins and have received Jesus as Saviour and you are not feeling joy today, then ask Him to restore your joy. Jesus said to His disciples: "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete" (John 16:24). So, in the midst of our trials let us today: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Yah's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1Thes.5:16-18). Let us take comfort from the soothing words of the Psalmist: "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favour lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning" (Ps.30:5).
My Prayer
Father AhaYah, knowing You and Your plans for us fill us with hope and joy. Thank you for the wonder and the joy that lie before us of spending eternity in Your presence. Father today we often find it hard to experience this joy. Please forgive us for allowing the difficulties of the day and the darkness of the hour to steal our joy. Please strengthen us to deal with our struggles. Please help us to embrace the truth that we are children of the Most High Elohyim and that with You we are more than conquerors. We pray in the name of Jesus, our Messiah. Aman.