Nehemiah 8:10 ‘Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’
DAILY READING; John 18:19-38; 2 Chronicles 27-28; Psalm 84
There is a certain unique medical condition that doctors are calling anhedonia. Anhedonia is someone’s loss of the capacity to experience pleasure. It means that the person can no longer find joy from normally pleasurable experiences. This situation has been attributed to the pressures of modern existence. Today, anhedonia is becoming a more common condition, because many people are living worried and anxious and full of fear.
Anhedonia has also been identified as one of the core clinical signs of depression. In January 2020, the World Health organization [WHO] stated that depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.
Living in a world full of problems it can be understandable why men are living depressed. The world is full of joy stealers. It is the devil’s ministry to “steal, kill, and destroy”, and he is doing everything possible to steal people’s joy especially at this crucial time in history. Today, many people are going about life joyless and cheerless.
However, as believers we must be careful to constantly guard our joy. Though there may be reasons to get upset every day or go around frustrated, you can’t afford to let anything steal your joy. Whatever steals your joy is stealing your strength, because the joy of The Lord is your strength.
No matter what comes against you, be of good cheer. Don’t lose your joy.
In Mark 6, the disciples were fighting against a contrary wind, they were toiling and rowing and it must have been quite frustrating. But then Jesus came walking on the water and He said to them “Be of good cheer!”
In other words, He was telling them to cheer up, despite the storm.
Whatever tries to steal your joy is actually preparing you for oppression. Because the devil will always first try to depress you before he can oppress you. This is why you must do everything to guard your joy.
Therefore decide to wage war against every joy stealer in your life. The Blood of Jesus is available to deal with every affliction and oppression. Therefore by the Blood of Jesus come against anything that tries to steal your joy. Through praise constantly abide in God’s Presence where there is fullness of joy. When you have the joy of The Lord, you have the strength to overcome whatever comes your way.
Philippians 4:4 says “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”
Indeed when you rejoice always, you will be surrounded by God’s Presence always. And you can be sure of victory, because if God be for you, nothing and nobody can be against you.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the redemption I have through the shed blood of Jesus. By Your grace, I have overcome every source and cause of depression. Thank You Lord for your joy that constantly fills my heart in Jesus Name. .
QUOTE
God is preparing you for the season He prepared your breakthrough. – WORDBITE 222.