– Scripture:

You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don’t see him, yet you trust him—with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you’ll get what you’re looking forward to: total salvation.

                     1 Peter 1:8-9 MSG

 – Reflection:

                   Real Joy

If your joy has been taken away by something out of your control, it is time to get it back. Feeling tired and drained, along with a frustrated outlook on your days, is where you should be placing your energy. Allow GOD to renew your spirit by allowing him into your heart. Make the decision to be a new person today by starting your walk with Christ. Get the joy you deserve, and live the life he has for you.

Where do we go from here?

I can say that when we choose not to listen to where we are being guided by our hearts, things only get worse. We have to make the decision to become a new person, a joyful person, even in the horrible times, because we know the joy that Christ has for us. Doing this will keep the enemy at arm’s length or farther because he can’t win against the father or the son. They have the keys to lock him away and the sun to shine on us for all days. Keep people around you that are going to lift, not pull on your dreams. We all know the mistakes we have made; it is not good to dwell there every day; give yourself the grace that GOD has given you and move on from that place. Allow his strength to be yours and begin to pick yourself up, and get in agreement with a group of people that will help. Not a yes group because we still need to be challenged, but a group that will support and challenge you while growth is happening at the same time. Find your group.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for being there in our darkest times and for not letting our mistakes define who we are. You alone are the defining force for our good that will give us the strength to become that new person by allowing you into our hearts. I know that you want warriors and strong people that understand your nature and what you are trying to do within us. It is with great joy that I am able to praise your name. Amen.