STAY IN JOY NO MATTER WHAT (9)

Just a few months into ministry in Eruwa, I left home with great joy and enthusiasm for the day. I sang all the way to the office that morning. It was even a song about joy.

As I opened the door to the church, the song ceased, and it seemed joy flew out of my heart. It rained overnight, and the office was flooded. I had a brief moment to decide whether to choose joy or otherwise.

In that little moment, all that had gone wrong in the journey flashed before me. I thought about how I was the only one doing the work since those assisting chose another path. I thought about how silly it was to have thought I could make any difference with the calling to Eruwa. It was a loaded, brief moment.

BUT

I chose joy!
I chose joy!
I chose joy!

I remember that things go bad when I choose anything other than joy. Joy is the fuel I needed for a change. I thanked God. I rejoiced. I made calls. I got more than the needed help, and we put things back in shape.

Beloved, the devil uses little things to steal our joy. You will be surprised how something as simple as being stuck in traffic can affect the mood of your family for weeks. You come back home moody. A stressful day has now stretched to a stressful marriage. What if you chose joy? Would you be in that mess today?

A news report with nothing to do with you can steal your joy. An insult from a stranger who does not stick on anyone’s forehead has made you say things you should not have. A flat tyre in the morning has turned you into an angry Daddy. Let nothing steal your joy!

One of the weapons the devil uses is “things.” Paul told us to be anxious for nothing. He also warned us to beware of “high things” that want to oppose the knowledge of God.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 KJV
[4] (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) [5] casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Capture that thought and that thing now. Do not drift down “Moody Slope,” refuse to sit in “Sorrow Street,” and do not walk in “Anger Close.” Delight to travel on “Joy Highway.” That is where you draw strength and enjoy great grace.

Do not let the devil use things to steal your joy. It will be like using a penny to steal millions. Never allow that. Do not sign that strange deal.

Choose joy!
Choose joy!
Rejoice