Proverbs 17:22
 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

• DAILY READING            Revelation 18; Isaiah 3-4; Psalm 109:1-19
Kathryn Kuhlman was one of the greatest ministers of the Gospel, used mightily by God in the last century. In 1923, when she was sixteen years, Kathryn Kuhlman joined her sister and her husband to travel on their evangelistic tour. Kathryn Spent five years with them before she eventually began her own ministry. Though she had no money or ministry support she remained excited and full of joy. She had strong faith in God’s mission for her life. Even as a teenager, she determined not to wallow in self-pity but rather to always remain joyful, regardless of her circumstances. A few weeks into her new ministry, she slipped on the ice and broke her leg. Though doctors told her to stay off her foot for two weeks, Kathryn Kuhlman continued to preach with her leg in a cast. Being very young and a female, many felt she was not qualified to preach, but despite these criticisms, Kathryn pressed on. Life was not easy. On one occasion, the family with whom she was scheduled to stay didn’t have a place for her, and she had to sleep in the turkey house. But Kathryn often said she would have gladly slept on a straw stack, just to continue preaching the Gospel. 

Her heart was “sold out” to the Lord. That was the secret of her ministry. And because she knew the secret of joy, she maintained God’s Presence around her. As a result many miracles, signs and wonders trailed her ministry, which eventually became known worldwide.  

Jesus accomplished His mission because He remained joyful. Speaking about Jesus, Hebrews 12:2 says ‘who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.’

Just like Jesus did, we need to despise any challenge and remain joyful. Indeed maintaining an attitude of Joy is important if we are to fulfill our destiny. Success is determined not so much by what life brings to us as by the attitude we bring to life.

God has reserved the top of the success ladder for you; but Joy is God’s mystery for taking you there. We need to remain joyful even in the face of challenges, because oftentimes turbulence is a sign you are rising higher. The airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. Being joyful causes you to ride upon your high places. 

Habakkuk 3:17-19 says ‘Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.’ 

Your high places in life are inaccessible without joy. Be a carrier of joy. Joy is contagious but don’t wait to catch it from others. Like David, in tough situations, learn to encourage yourself in The Lord. Until you are excited, you don’t excel.

Joy is the trigger for harvest. 

The flow of joy enables you to carry God’s presence. And God’s Presence is what makes you unbeatable in the battles of life. 

Determine today to never allow anything tamper with your joy. 

Proverbs 17:22 says “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Depression is a satanic trap, because the enemy cannot oppress you until he has first depressed you.

Therefore, no matter what comes your way, maintain your joy. God is in control. Your life and times are in His hands. Your health, your finances, your relationships and every likely cause of concern are in His hands. And He will surely see you through. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” [Deutronomy 36:8]

Therefore remain excited, pursue your vision with joy, do not give up, do not give in and God will surely cause you to ride upon your high places.  

PRAYER: Lord, please help to remain joyful in every situation, I trust you are in control of my life, and I know that even right now you are working out everything for my good in Jesus Name. . 

QUOTE 

Those who throw pity parties stay in the pit longer, but Praise always guarantees you power for a raise,  WORDBITE 222

[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK REJOICE]