DON’T LOSE YOUR JOY

“The vine has dried up, and the fig tree has withered; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree—All the trees of the field are withered; surely joy has withered away from the sons of men.” ~ Joel 1:12

REFERENCE:

Joel 1:11-12

We are spirit beings that live in human bodies. Most of what happens around us first occur in our spirit-man. Hence, the Bible says, “A broken spirit dries the bones.” The first part of this text says, “A merry heart does good like medicine.” Joy revives the spirit. Joy in the spirit (or heart) of a man is a supernatural force. Therefore, do everything you can so you don’t lose your joy.

The mind is where the devil focuses most of his assaults. It may not immediately appear so, but every disappointment, quarrel, work-related crisis, financial loss, etc., attacks the mind. The game plan is that you will get so overwhelmed that you slink into depression, complaining and grumbling until your joy withers away. And when joy withers, many things begin to wither.

We often don’t see this connection, but Prophet Joel helps us to. He saw the situation of the land, how all the produce of the trees of the field had withered – the vine, fig, pomegranate, palm, and apple. Many undiscerning minds would think the problem was inadequate rainfall or barren soil, but the prophet said it was because joy had first withered away from the sons of men. I remember a book titled, “If the devil can’t steal your joy, he cannot keep your goods.”

Joy is often not a feeling; it is a decision. It is a fruit of the Spirit resident in you. You must tap into it and turn it loose on the devil. Don’t let the storms get into your boat (heart), turn on joy by reciting God’s word and recounting His goodness toward you. Declare His faithfulness, get a praise song and dance. Habakkuk said, “Even if the fig tree does not blossom or the fruit of the olive and vine fail, I WILL rejoice in the Lord….” It was a decision he made, a decision for joy.

Don’t let situations run your life. Find your strength and confidence from within. Don’t respond to a withering fig tree with complaints; respond with joy. It will confuse the devil! Bring God in, and right-size the issue, making it smaller than your God. Don’t go around sad like someone without God. Rejoice. Sing. Dance. Give thanks to God. Remember, your victory comes from your spirit, not from your surroundings. So, lift your head and rejoice. Don’t lose your joy!

PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL STUDY:

Habakkuk 3:17-19, Proverbs 17:22, Isaiah 12:3, and Jeremiah 30:19-20

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PRAYER POINTS

+ Father, I thank You for Your word to me this morning. I refuse to lose my joy.

+ I live supernaturally. My victory comes from my spirit, not from my surroundings. I declare that the joy of the Lord is my strength henceforth.

+ Lord, I receive grace to consciously deploy joy as a weapon against every warfare against my mind and mental well-being. I THANK YOU, LORD, FOR LIFE, HEALTH, PEACE, FAMILY, etc.