Some consume coffee, others energy drinks. Some rely on medication while others exercise.
There are many resources to help you, me and the millions of others to get up each morning and complete another day. There’s nothing wrong with these resources in and of themselves, if they work. I for one love my coffee with 2 teaspoons of hot chocolate and hazelnut creamer…yum!
Fortunately in addition to these choices comes one of the most potent and effective assets that doesn’t cost money.
From His unlimited glorious resources,
God gives us His joy.
“The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.” Psalm 118:24
What has He done?
He has created a day with you in mind. He values each of us so magnificently, that He has made another day for us to experience life. He freely gives us the ability to breathe and take in His many provisions that we so often take for granted. He has created a day for us to rejoice in and to be glad in simply because of whose we are….children of the Mighty King of Kings!
So we should rejoice everyday to start the joy process.
He will “provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy (gladness) instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:3
God has so much good for us that out weighs the negativity of this world. Instead of remaining in a sorrowful or complaining state of mind, He provides the oil of gladness. Instead of living in depression and loss, He provides us with the garment of praise.
The oil and garment are offered to all who believe. Yet we must be proactive in choosing to use these mighty resources. We can become strong like oak trees. We can begin to carry His righteousness with our sound minds. And our lifestyle will be seen by others, causing it to be attractive to follow.
How do I do that?…you might be saying.
Here’s two effective ways.
1. Read His promises and keep them close by. God’s Word is packed with encouragement. Simply reading His Word can be a powerful thing.
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105
Reading His Word is like turning on a light switch. It enables us to see with clarity what to do and it shines brightly, showing us how to do it . His Word carries authority and victory. We, as believers in Christ, have been given the authority to speak His Word and apply it to any and all situations just like a medicine that will bring about good results.
2. Praise the Lord. The oil of gladness and the garment of praise are enjoyed when we proactively begin to worship Him.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Psalm 28:7
Listen to the many wonderful praise songs and let yourself become lost in the music and lyrics.
Open your mouth and heart to join in and sing the songs into the atmosphere. Allow your praise to be applied as an ointment to bring about good results.
When our minds become focused on Him instead of our troubles, we find a solution that redirects our attention and brings about joy in Him. Our attention turns from ourselves as we look to Him. We begin to express gratitude and thanks, as the words, lyrics, music and the Holy Spirit brings about a positive change.
His joy begins to break through and out shine the obstacles of despair, pain, and confusion.
Once we experience the possibility of having His joy overtake our circumstances, we come to realize we can choose to have this option more and more. We begin to seek His joy in becoming our primary resource for every circumstance…every situation…every response…every task….every thought.
It ALL can be covered with His joy!
“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5
There will be times of sorrow, hurt, grieve and even destruction but the later overcomes the beginning. Do you see what God intends to happen after those periods of weeping?….JOY COMES.
Joy is designed and meant to come for all. Joy brings balance back to our lives after a difficult day.
It not only will bring balance, but we can enjoy His joy to the point of being out of balance. Think about it…. wouldn’t you wish to be out of balance with your thoughts and responses by having more joy experiences than complaining, anger, and frustration?
Can we say it out loud….
I desire to be out of balance
by having more of His joy!
So choose joy! Let it overflow!
Let it take root and accept the mighty reliable resource that has been given by your loving Heavenly Father.
Here it comes!!
Photos by Lori Katherine Anderson
Design by Create228studio
Needing ideas for some praise music?
Here’s a great recommendation! Martin Smith – JOY album