John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
Joy is not a physical thing that is dependent on good news and great circumstances. Joy is a spiritual thing and it comes from within. Joy is based on our relationship with God and our knowledge of who He is and who you are in Him.
The devil can rob you of happiness in a moments time. Adversities, fears, doubts, feelings, emotions and so forth can wipe away happiness. It doesn’t even have to be true but if you believe an evil report it can devastate you.
Our lives may be compared to a ride on a roller coaster. Ups and downs lie along the way. We can’t just stop the train and get off. Some things, whether we like them or not, must be confronted and dealt with. Happiness is great but when it has fled from us are we left powerless and an easy victim from adversity? That depends on you. If you have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior: if you spend time in God’s Word feeding your faith and find the nuggets of truth tucked inside: if you believe what God says in His Word, then you are not left powerless. When Jesus ascended to Heaven after the Crucifixion He left for us His joy. Remember, joy is not dependent on favorable circumstances and good reports but it is a spiritual force God places inside us to draw upon when we have to deal with things beyond our understanding and ability. Ne 8:10 … the joy of the LORD is your strength.
If you don’t know the truth, you are susceptible to believing a lie. The devil is a liar and he will do everything he can to rob you of God’s blessings. God’s Word is the truth and if you don’t study the Word you will not come to know who God is and who you are in Him. Such knowledge cannot be gained in a few days but is a lifetime study. Reading the Word, searching the Scriptures, studying the Word and meditating thereon will day by day make you stronger in who you are in God and what blessing’s He has for you.
God loves you and Jesus Christ is abundant proof. If we live our lives God’s way then we can expect God’s blessings for us. Certainly the devil will do all he can to destroy you but God is on your side. Jesus has already defeated Satan, but satin didn’t run away and hide. His time is short but he is still the prince of this world and hates you. If your choices and your decisions are not in line with God and His Word you may find yourself a victim. Carefully consider: it’s either Heaven or Hell. Your choices are taking you closer and closer to either one or the other. Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Maranatha!
