Never forget your Joy!

Recently a good friend of mine has started going to their local church and in doing so, their family has grown closer to the Lord. This past Lord’s Day, they dedicated themselves to raising their family in the way of the Lord. Jesus taught us good things, righteous things, Godly things so I see this a beautiful and glorious blessing!

But sadly, what I noticed was that in my joy for them and their family, I realized that much of the joy that filled my heart earlier on in my walk with Christ, has in large amount, faded away. Not to the point where it is no longer seen but I would be lying if I said that it shines as brightly. Why is that? Why do we lose our flame? Is it simply the devil stealing our joy? Or, is it something deeper than that? Are we the cause for own on lack of fire?

Life can beat you down-being a Christian is no exception. I have written before about what I call “magic Jesus,” the Jesus where if you do something for him, he’ll do something for you. It doesn’t work that way and often times I think new believers get caught up in a false delusions of Earthly rewards to come. I’m not saying that God can’t bless you in this existence, he can and has and continues to do so. I’m just saying that we should be careful not to confuse God’s blessings to us in this life as some kind of vending machine o’ goodness. It is in the hard times when we learn of the true love, grace and mercy of our Father in Heaven.

The devil is good at what he does, make no mistake about that. But ultimately, he can only suggest things. He can only trick you, deceive you. We have the final say, so don’t let the devil jack your joy.  Have you ever noticed how as a believer, when things are going well but you’re not praying as much or not reading the Word as much or avoiding the fellowship of believers, he tends to be largely absent? Just because nothing “bad” is happening doesn’t mean that he isn’t winning. Keeping you from doing God’s work is just as bad as open rebellion. In other words, not serving the body in some capacity or another, can harm your witness-even worse, keep you from sharing it.

I once was given a KJV bible that has an inscription that reads, “Either this book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book.” I don’t know if that’s an original quote from the person who gave me this bible, or if it is from some great author who had a knack for speaking truth. It doesn’t matter, but the point for all believers is the same. You have to keep God as close to you as your shirt is to your skin. Any space in-between leaves space for corruption, and we should all strive to be as free from that as we can.

Reading about my friends joy filled day made me realize just what it is we should be joyful about. I know it’s hard, but we have Christ within us, around us and interceding on behalf of us. There is nothing that we cannot withstand and it is that joy-the same joy that brings happiness and peace to people everyday, all around the world-that we must hold on to. That joy will keep you warm when it’s cold outside, and light your way when the road is not clear.

Keep the faith near and dear to you brothers and sisters.