“The JOY of the Lord is your strength”

Recently a friend shared with me a personal challenge she’s facing. I reminded her that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). In this case, he was stealing her joy. So much so she wasn’t the wife, mother, friend, etc., those around her needed.

It is so easy to allow the cares of this world (problems in our family, layoffs at work, a fued with friends, health problems, diminishing finances, conflict with a spouse, disobedient children, etc.) to drain the joy, peace and life out of us.

CHOOSE this week to not allow anything or anyone to steal, kill, or destroy your JOY. I said choose because it really is a choice.

You may not have control over those involved in the situation, but you do have control over yourself.

“Life is choice driven. You will live or die by the choices YOU make” ~I.V. Hilliard

No matter what happens this week, CHOOSE TO:

1. LAUGH (Proverbs 17:22)-A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

2. REJOICE (Philippians 4:4) – Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

3. TRUST (Proverbs 3:5-6)-Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know.Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.

4. THANK GOD (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)- Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

If nothing else, remember that this trial or situation is here to produce something greater in you!

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

Have a blessed day and an awesome week!

‪~Keishawna

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