Lift Your Spirit – “Joy to the World”

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon^[a] his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called^[b]
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 ESV

⁴ Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
    break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
⁵ Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
    with the lyre and the sound of melody!
⁶ With trumpets and the sound of the horn
    make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord! Psalm 98:4-6 ESV

If you are a Christian but you’re not experiencing joy, you’ve got your focus off of Jesus.

You may be ready to argue with me at this point, with words drawn and ready to shoot about how hard your life is at this moment and that no one could possibly know how difficult it is for you to keep going. If that is your situation, I am so very sorry that you are living in that mess. And Jesus doesn’t want you sitting in there either.

Let’s remember that we were never promised a carefree life after we chose to live according to the freedom He freely gave us. In fact, the Bible tells us that we will definitely have problems while we are living this side of Paradise.

We were promised that if we continue to live according to GOD’s Will that we would have the peace that passes all understanding ~ even while we are living in our stormy circumstances. Jesus is that Peace. He is our Joy. The Lord is our Calm. If we’re looking for peaceful conditions, we’re wasting our energy. If we’re in pursuit of the perfect life, free from difficulties, we’re never going to be satisfied because earthly life is just not perfect.

But if we are seeking Perfection in the Person of Jesus Christ, we will find far more than what we set out to discover. He is guaranteed to blow your mind with the most profound experiences in relationship with Him. Yes, in just being with Him.

This is why the Christian can still be joyful in the midst of her tumultuous situation. Because she knows that she doesn’t face it alone nor does she face it powerless. The victory is in Jesus Who has overcome the world ~ and He lives in her.

Does He live in you, Friend? Do you have peace that remains regardless of your circumstances (which by the way will change from one day to the next)?

Attention, all! See the marvels of God!
    He plants flowers and trees all over the earth,
Bans war from pole to pole,
    breaks all the weapons across his knee.
“Step out of the traffic! Take a long,
    loving look at me, your High God,
    above politics, above everything.” Psalm 46:8 The Message

I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~

LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary

*Thank you to Jordan Smith for this.