Choose Joy
I had a chance to meet with an incredible group of women this summer, true dragon slayers in the trenches fighting on behalf of the most vulnerable and exploited in the world. We had inspiring times of prayer and were able to encourage one another as we went back to our respective underworlds. As I ran to get one last hug from a new dear sister, she left me with a word…
“The battle you are waging is for joy. The enemy seeks to rob your joy. Don’t let that happen.”
I reflected on the previous few weeks and realized how true that was. We had seen some of the most profound breakthroughs but had allowed conflict to rob our joy. We were blessed beyond measure but allowing ourselves to be consumed by every threat of attack as if we had forgotten who we were and who lives in us.
The joy of the Lord is my strength…
“Remember who you are.” I cannot tell you how often I say those words. Encouraging my children, girls, staff and myself to never forget who we are or the authority and power given to us through the holy spirit who lives in us and works through us. Knowing that and rejoicing in that is our strength, a great source of power—but also a choice.
I choose Joy…
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! 5 Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! 6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse… Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
--Phil. 4- (NET and the message)
