““…for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” ”
The joy of the Lord is a secret weapon given to every believer! It’s our strength and the only we can access anything from heaven! (Isaiah 12:3) Joy isn't something that’s mystical or ethereal. Joy is easily accessible! Here are 4 ways to amp up your joy- in fact, these are some of the ONLY ways to increase this wonderful heavenly force.
KNOW GOD’S WORD - “For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.” (Psalm 2:10) Wisdom and knowledge are always found in God’s Word. That’s why it’s so important to get it! Look at what Proverbs 4:4-7 says, “He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Hosea 4:6 also says “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” If your well of joy is dry, keep digging for the water! Too many people don’t access joy because they don’t want to dig! The Bible likens the Word to water—Living water, a water that never runs dry, water that cleanses and makes new! Get in the Word for your continual flow of JOY.
TRUST IN THAT WORD! - “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13) God just made a promise to you. He said He would fill you with joy and peace as long as you TRUST in Him. What does trust mean? Webster's says it right; “Confidence; a reliance or resting of the mind on the integrity.” Rest your mind on the integrity of God’s Word. When you rest in that knowledge, joy and peace belong to you! God’s promises do not rest on our name or ministry name, they rest on God’s name! When God promises something you can take it to the bank—that’s a check that will never bounce! So why doubt? Never questions God’s integrity…NEVER!
GOD’S PRESENCE- “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore..” (Psalm 16:11) The presence of God LITERALLY gives you everything you need. It brings clarity, it brings direction, it breaks the heavy burden and it brings joy! God’s presence is tapped into by your praise! Psalm 22:3 says God lives in the praises of His people! All you have to do is praise God. Praise Him for all He’s done and all He’s about to do! When you release those Words, faith begins to arise and God steps in!
ASK! - “ Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” (John 16:24) There’s too many people out there afraid to ask! What will make your joy complete? Have you said it out loud, or are you afraid to? Is it getting married? Getting out of debt? Buying a house? VOCALIZE those things you want to be manifested in your life! Have the courage to ASK GOD and don't think small. All you’re required to do is ask. He never said “Ask AND figure it all out.” He simply said, ASK.
If you do these things everyday for the next 21 days, your life won't even look the same! Do 10 minutes on each. 10 minutes to read, 10 minutes praise and 10 minutes to ask, then saturate it all with trust—rest in knowing God has already done it!