Pray the Joy In~

James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds...

Greetings,

It's been a busy few days for me, but I am back :)

Pure joy...we've been talking about it because while we all want to genuinely live and breathe it, sometimes stuff gets in the way.

Ironically, it's the stuff that gets in the way that is supposed to spur us on to joy in the first place.

But I completely understand the challenges of trying to have joy when there's a lot going on. So does our amazing Lord. The Bible is not just one verse that we take to heart, but hundreds and hundreds of verses that lovingly and wisely intertwine resulting in one beautiful and encouraging love letter to us all.

Therefore when we can't consider it pure joy because of the problem, rest assured there's a verse to help you take a step in the right direction.

For instance: "Yenise, How can I have joy when I can't even sleep because of all the fear I have?"

Psalm 118:6 The Lord is with me; I shall not be afraid.

It's always a win-win with Christ. He wants us to have joy and will always provide a verse to help us redirect our focus off the problem and onto Him.

"Yenise, How can I have joy when I am so anxious about ...?"

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And peace will guard your heart.

"Yenise, How can I have joy when I am so hopeless..?"

Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

What is keeping you from experiencing joy today? No matter what it is, you can pray it out and invite the joy in.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We will not be afraid because You are with us and because You are with us, we have joy. We will not be anxious because prayer welcomes You and Your power into our lives and that is a cause for celebration. Our hope is in You, and we feel strengthened already! In Jesus' name, AMEN~