Return to Joy
Psalm 51:12 (NLV) Let the joy of Your saving power return to me. And give me a willing spirit to obey you.
Many of us remember receiving the joy of the Lord when we made the decision to follow Christ. A joy that was unexplainable and a peace that our soul had been desperately longing for. Over time, we can begin to lose that passion and fire we once had for Jesus if we aren't setting aside some time for Him each day. We can lose our focus and begin to focus on our difficult circumstances rather than our blessings in Him. The good news is we can always rekindle the flame - we just have to pick back up where we left off. Start praying and talking to Him like you would a best friend. Allow His joy and peace to return to you and pray for Him to give you a willing spirit to obey Him.
When we get off course, our fleshly desires become greater than our spiritual desires. It is a learned discipline but it is not an impossible task. We have to retrain our minds to keep focused on Jesus, no matter what lies the enemy tells you, always fight back with the Truth of God's Word. The benefits of spending time with the Resurrected King are innumerable. Just living in peace alone is worth your investment of time with Him. But He will do so much more for you. Are you willing to remain in obedience to Him? Do you beat yourself up when you don't get it right? If you do, that's exactly the plan of the enemy - to get you to feel defeated and not good enough. Don't allow the enemy to control your thought life - it's a slippery slope to depression and unforgiveness.
Renew your mind daily with scriptures that really speak to your spirit. Keep His Word close to your heart, meditate on it day and night and refuse to let the enemy win! The devil is the defeated one, not you, not me, only him! Remind him of what he chose to give up with his pride and remind him of his future. The threats you receive from opposition in your life are only there to get you to stop being who God has called you to be. Don't be stuck in the thoughts of your past mistakes - get up, get in the Word, pour your heart out to God and fight to win the battle in your mind!
Romans 12:2 (NLV) Do not act like the sinful people of the world. Let God change your life. First of all, let Him give you a new mind. Then you will know what God wants you to do. And the things you do will be good and pleasing and perfect.
Colossians 3:15 (NLV) Let the peace of Christ have power over your hearts. You were chosen as a part of His body. Always be thankful.
