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If you have been walking your faith journey for even just a brief amount time you have probably already been faced with the reality of spiritual warfare. John 10:10 reminds us that, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” The enemy wants nothing more than to rob us each of our faith and joy. If you continue out that same verse you will also realize that Jesus says,  “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” That verse is a simple yet powerful reminder that although the enemy will come, there is One who also came that can defeat and defend us in the darkest of battles. Do you feel as though your joy is gone today? I can promise you are not alone friend. The joy only found through Christ is not based on external circumstances or outcomes this world has to offer, it is based on a deep-rooted inner contentment and satisfaction within our souls. The enemy can’t take what does not belong to him and what he has no power over! Even when we feel defeated, it is our choice to choose joy because we trust that God still has a plan for our struggles. The best thing about joy is that we don’t have to figure it all out – our Father supplies it to us freely and without restrictions when we make the decision to follow Him. In James 1:2, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations..” he is reminding the readers that when we fall into hard times and the struggles of life (because we will) that we must still respond in joy. The key word in this verse that many may overlook is the word “all”. It does not say “count some of it joy” or “count most of it joy”, it says count it ALL joy. We are not promised a life without battles, but we are promised a life more abundantly when our hearts are filled with the joy of Jesus Christ. When the enemy comes to steal your faith, peace and joy this week I challenge you to rejoice in response – sing a praise, share a testimony, bless a stranger and declare His goodness right in the midst of the storm! Joy doesn’t force temporary happiness on sad situations- joy is available through all seasons of life if you trust in the source from which it flows. You may think your joy is gone and that the enemy has stolen so much from you, but the reality is that you are the only one in control over the joy you have deep inside. The question you must ask yourself is not “How do I get my joy back?”, but instead “Will I choose JOY today?” 

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11. 

Blessings,

Kayla