WHAT ROBS YOU OF YOUR JOY?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid,
but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
(2 Timothy 1:7)

MEDITATION:
Pandemics can create a fear that grips many across our nation and
around the world. We can see it in their actions as many horde as
much food (and toilet paper) as they can; they buy far more than they
need for the foreseeable future. It is an indication that there is a lack
of trust in God to provide.

We ought to be enjoying victorious, abundant lives, but what happens?
Fear creeps in, gets a grip on us, and we miss out on the joyful life. We
lose many opportunities for joy because of our fear. When fear dominates,
there is no room for Christ, the One Who can comfort us.
    “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
     In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have
     overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Worry is the first cousin to fear. Fear and worry will do to us what
grit does to machinery – it will shut us down. But God gives us
victory with His power, His love, and the gift of a sound mind.

The Holy Spirit is our Bodyguard. He walks with you; He guides you;
He comforts you; He encourages you. And when we have the Holy Spirit,
we discover that the man or woman who can kneel before God, can stand
before any man or anything.

The Holy Spirit also gives us the power to discipline ourselves. When
we yield to temptations, we are not exercising self-discipline are we?
Why? Because we have taken control of our lives from the Holy Spirit.
Why would anyone want to control their own lives when the Spirit knows
what is best for us? Isn’t it selfishness, plain and simple? We want what
we want, but the Holy Spirit wants what God wants.

These two “wants” are in opposition to each other. The more we take
control of our lives, the more we have problems with fear and worry.
Be totally honest with yourself right now – “Who is in control of your life?”

ACTION:
Jesus has you in His sight; you are in God’s right hand;
He has a purpose for you, and He loves you.
If you are saved, He has given you the Holy Spirit to help you
resist temptations and strive to become more righteous and pure.

Ask yourself, “Can anything change those truths?”
The answer is, “Of course not!”
God is impartial, consistent, loving, forgiving,
merciful, gracious, and all powerful.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promises to give me
victory over fear and worry. Thank You for the gift of the
Holy Spirit You give to all who belong to You; those who
have surrendered their lives to the Lord and the Holy Spirit.
Thank You, Jesus, for making all of this possible and for
setting the example for all of Your followers, including
relinquishing Your Will to the Father’s Will….all the way
to the cross. Father, help me to trust You and not myself
so that joy will increase in my life. Thank You for Your love,
forgiveness, blessings, and for Your salvation to all Who
surrender their lives to You.”

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