Dwell – Day 26

We often go through seasons where Joy seems like it’s the furthest thing from us. But the Truth is, It is always available to us.

In fact, Joy was freely given to us through the death of Jesus. Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit, and Jesus freely gave us His Spirit to dwell in us and guide us, therefore Joy is always within us.

I struggle with anxiety, and I will go through periods where it feels so overwhelming to the point I forget the truth the Lord has spoken over my life. I doubt myself, I doubt God, and I doubt my faith.

Sometimes I run towards temporary happiness, instead of Joy. Happiness is a quick fix, usually achieved from something of the world, and leaves you feeling empty again once the dopamine wears off. I try to hide from God and my problems, when the solution to my fear and anxiety is right in front of me.

John 15:1-11

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Joy is a way to honor God, it shows His light, and He makes our Joy complete when we remain in Him alone. In these overwhelming moments of stress, anxiety and, worry, all we have to do is remember His truth He speaks over our lives. When we have the Lord, we have His Joy, and it is complete.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for making my Joy complete. I pray that even in the midst of a hard season, and in those overwhelming moments, I can cling to you, your truth, and your word. And show others your love, your light, and your joy that is complete in me.
Amen!