For years, the lyrics of my soul desperately cried out, “All I really want, is to be happy.” If you are an R&B music lover, you can easily recognize those words as one of the verses in Mary J. Blige hit song, “Be Happy”. That song was the anthem of my life for a very long time. All I wanted was to be happy and, as she so melodically sang, “To find a love that's mine.” I equated happiness with being in a romantic relationship. I believed the only way I could truly be happy is if I was in a committed relationship with a man. I thought that way until I was introduced to something stronger and better than happiness. You see happiness is just a temporary human emotion that comes and goes. Happiness is determined by circumstance, but there is something greater than the feeling of happiness. What is greater than happiness? Joy! When God introduced me to His eternal joy, I never felt the need to chase happiness again. Don’t get me wrong, I still want to be happy and find a love that is mine! But until that time comes, I will stay filled with God’s overflowing joy, love, peace.
Joy is one of the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the only way you can receive true joy is by being filled with the Holy Spirit and it is not predicated on how you feel or what is going on in your life. Your life can be a hot mess and everything around you can be falling apart and you still can have joy. Joy says no matter what is going on in my life or good or bad, God is still good, and my life is in His hands. It’s an unbreakable and unshakable trust in God that declares everything is and will be alright. The scripture that best describes joy to me is Romans 8:28, “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” If you love God and have faith in His Word you can have joy. Unlike happiness, it not based on what is felt in the present moment.
For the past couple of days, the joy inside of my spirit and heart has been overflowing. God has given me a double portion of joy and I want to share that joy with as many people as I can. I want you to experience the fullness of His joy that God has graciously bestowed upon me. God doesn't want you walking around broken, busted, and disgusted! He doesn't want you feeling discouraged or depressed! No matter what is going in your life right now, you can have joy! Unspeakable joy is your portion!
Want to receive the joy that I have? Recite this prayer!
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are good and Your love and mercy endures forever! I will bless Your name at all times! Shower me with Your unfailing love as I praise and rejoice in this day!
Now Lord, You said if I ask anything according to Your will it be done unto me. Jesus, I ask in Your name that my joy be full. (John 16:24), God of hope fill me completely with Your unspeakable joy and peace because I trust in You. Let me overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).
As I delight in Your presence, fill my heart with inexpressible joy and peace that passes all understanding. Gladness and joy is overtaking me and sorrow and sighing are fleeing away from me now in Jesus name.
Lord give me beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3). I cast all my cares on you because I know You care for me and I decree all things are working together for my good because I love you. I take no thought of tomorrow because You have already taken care of tomorrow for me. Sufficient is the day and I focus all my time and energy on fulfilling my purpose today.
No matter what happens today, I will not fear bad news nor be afraid of what man can do to me. I know You are for me and I boldly declare no one can be against me. No weapon formed against me shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
Now that the full joy of Christ dwells inside me, I will share that joy with others I interact with today. May those I speak today feel Christ's love for them and may everlasting joy be crowned to their heads (Isaiah 51:11).
Father, You are my glory and my joy (1 Thessalonians 2:20). Joy in You is my strength. I love You and I thank You for filling me and others with Your unconditional joy.
In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen!
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