A Jolt of JoySample
Joy is not a natural response to life but it is a supernatural response to life. That is why it is a fruit of the Spirit and not of your personality. Joy is not a knee-jerk reaction to your circumstances but it is a miraculous moment in a dark and dying world when His presence is revealed through your life. The joy that you experience and demonstrate is birthed from a relationship with Him. You were not made for depression or to demonstrate a critical spirit; you were not made for gossip or for bitterness. You were not made to give your husband the silent treatment, to create friction in the church or to yell in anger at your children. You were made for joy! What would happen if rather than putting gas in the tank of my car that I decided to save a little bit of money and fill the gas tank with sand? Not only would I never reach my destination but I would also ruin the car! This is also a very sad picture of what happens when Christians try to run their lives on depression, anger or bitterness. You will never reach your destination in life. You were designed to be a fruit-bearing Christian! You will never bear the fruit that you were designed to bear unless you hang out with Jesus. Every day ... all day long just marinate in Who He is and all that He has for you. Fertilize your life with the Word of God, with worship and with prayer. To the extent that Jesus occupies your whole being is the extent to which you will produce joy!
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About this Plan
The Bible tells us that "in His presence is fullness of joy" and that "the joy of the Lord is our strength". Joy isn't simply another emotion; it is a fruit of the Spirit and one of the best weapons in your arsenal to fight against discouragement, depression, and defeat. Learn what the Bible has to say about joy, and strengthening yourself to become a defiantly joyful Christian.
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We would like to thank Carol McLeod for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.carolmcleodministries.com