The Gift of Joy

I realize that I could write every day about 

the challenges and trials, the fight for faith and 

my desire to surrender more fully to God.

My cries often echo those of David,

which is why the psalms are such

infinite sources of hope.

Be merciful to me, O Lord,

for I am calling on you constantly.

You are good, so ready to forgive,

 full of unfailing love for all who ask for help.

Psalm 86

Each day holds a wide spectrum of scenarios.

Challenges morph.

Yesterday's challenges become today's victories.

Today's victories get tempered by today's trials.

The good, the bad and the ugly

all go on at the same time.

It takes being deeply rooted in God

to be able to experience all three

without being overwhelmed by any one.

I am seeing more clearly the enemy's tactic

to keep us focused on the bad and the ugly.

They always feel more pressing.

They always mess more with our emotions.

In the natural, fear trumps trust every time.

Doubt trumps faith as often.

But God has a way for us to live above all that.

It is called joy, as in, "for the joy set before HIm, 

Jesus endured the cross."

Sometimes I forget that joy is a gift.

I understand that it's a fruit of the Spirit--

but the Word seems to indicate that 
God gives joy and we can ask for it.

God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy 

to those who please Him.

Ecc 2:26
I pray that God, the source of hope, 

will fill you completely with joy and peace...

Romans 15:13

Ask, using my name, and you will receive, 

and you will have abundant joy.

John 16:24

Today, I am believing that because 

I am found in Christ, I please Him.

He gives joy to those who please Him.

I am praying that God, my source of hope,

will fill me with joy and peace.

And I am asking in His name, 
believing that I will have abundant joy.

God has given each of you a gift 

from his great variety of spiritual gifts. 

Use them well to serve one another.

1Peter 4:10

So many would be abundantly blessed

if we served them with the gift of joy.