Read Time: 3 Minutes 22 Seconds
As we look back on 2022, many of us feel as though we have passed through the eye of a needle. Many of us had to face things that took incredible faith and courage .
I make a habit of telling people not to let anyone or anything steal their joy because “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10).
I use this verse often to encourage dear friends and family members who are facing seemingly hopeless situations with their health, marriage, their children, parents, finances and co-workers.
Yes, the times we are living in can seem dark and dim. It almost feels as if the sun itself doesn’t shine as brightly as it once did as the trials mount up on the world stage and even in our own homes, each and every day, with great acceleration.
You may be thinking, “How can I look to God as my source of joy and how can that joy strengthen me enough to keep soldering through these tumultuous times?”
As a Christian, the answer comes easy. It is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that enables you to choose joy. This kind of joy is not dependent upon the fickleness and unpredictability of this world. First Thessalonians 5:16-18 clearly lays out God’s will for us in Christ Jesus. We are to “rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in ALL circumstances.”
When we rejoice even when the world tries to throw everything it has at us, we are experiencing supernatural joy. You will know you have it when you can rejoice whenever you face these present trials of all kinds and consider them merely a “test of your faith.” The testing of your faith creates perseverance which will mature you in your walk with God and rejoicing in these tests will strengthen you with the power of God.
Your takeaway? Pure spiritual joy is a deeply rooted, God-inspired happiness. This is the fullest expression of joy possible. God’s supernatural strength is a form of protection, safety and refuge that no one or no thing can penetrate.
So, when I tell my readers to never let anyone or anything steal their joy, it is a reminder that with God, it is impossible for it to happen.
May we all walk in the joyful, abundant life His death and resurrection affords us now, and in the coming new year. Let the joy of the Lord radiate through us and from us encouraging all we come into contact with in the days ahead. Amen.
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Dr. Janet Maccaro has doctorates in both holistic nutrition and natural medicine and is a certified nutritional consultant. She is a member of the American Association of Nutritional Consultants (AANC) and The AAPS (The American Association Of Pharmaceutical Scientists) She is a respected Christian inspirational thought leader and an expert in natural health care education with 14 titles currently in print which include the best seller; “Natural Health Remedies: Dr. Janet’s Guide To Thyroid Health”; “How Your Food is Sown & Grown” and “What YOU Need to Know About Glyphosate” are her two latest releases. For three decades , Dr. Maccaro has endeavored to help others with her nutritional knowledge and by the sharing of her faith-filled inspiring words.
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