Some of the most joyful days of my life were in my school days. Maybe because I was younger & less complicated, I enjoyed the little things in my life. I did not have to be anxious about anything except for exams & facing my folks when my grades were low.
I had wonderful friends & loving parents too. But as I grew older and got matured, gradually the cares of the world, challenges and the responsibilities of life increased. I am sure many of you understand and have been there too.
During those endeavors, most of us would have experienced the wonderful love of Jesus like I did. But it is at this point of learning to tackle these issues that the real battle happens. The enemy would bring all sorts of problems, attacks, misunderstandings, disunity, accusations, deviousness, offense etc. to take away our happiness so that we can give up on our faith. I believe one thing that the enemy wants to steal from us is our ‘JOY.’ Sadly he seems to be victorious in doing so in many families.
But that’s not God’s will for us as it says in, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18(AMP) ”Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus.” “Be happy and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually” is a willful action that we should opt for.
I pray this would be one of your new year resolutions. Do not allow the enemy to take away your delight. And like little children be joyful even with the little things. Stay happy without grumbling. Enjoy Jesus & His creation. Be at peace with one another. Kathryn Kulhman once said, “A healthy mind is the greatest gift after salvation.”
Now put your foot down and tell the devil, “devil I choose to be happy, now get out of my life in the name of Jesus.”
“May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.” (Romans 15: 13 AMP )
I wish you a joyful & blessed new year with all my heart.
