The Source of True Joy
"You have turned my morning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!" - Psalms 30:11-12
You are a child of God, and you have all the inheritance of His promises, you need to believe it, receive it, then walk in it. Similar to the story of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:24-34). She heard of Jesus and knew what He could do for her. So, she believed it first, even before anything happened to her. Then, she sought Him out in the chaos and crowded places. Although, she was deemed ceremonially unclean and should not have been out with the crowd - she had a mission; she knew the assignment. Nothing, not even Levitical Law, was going to stop her from receiving "the promise" - Jesus.
What are you allowing to block your way from receiving the promises and plans God has for you?
Then, it is written that once she touched the fringe or hem of His garment, she was instantly healed. She did not have to touch any part of His body or even the entire robe to get the healing - she only touched a piece, and the power left Jesus and healed her. The bible does not mention her name; it only mentions her issue. No one knew her name, she was only labeled "the woman with the issue of blood." They defined her or identified her with her problem. And that is how she saw herself as well. When she would go anywhere, she would have to announce, "unclean, unclean." That is what she identified with - that is who she was. "BUT GOD" - God knew her, and He saw her. "Daughter" was her name. Because she believed and received - she was made whole. Jesus did not see her or call her the "unclean woman with the issue of blood." No, He knew exactly who she was - He called her: Daughter. Her faith was so strong and unwavering - determined and knew what she wanted and what she no longer wanted. Her faith made her well. And once Jesus called her - daughter, she held her head high and she walked in her healing, in her promises, in the plans He had for her.
How is your faith? Is it similar to this woman? Are you seeking Him out, like she did - relentlessly? Do you believe in His promises for you? Have you received them in your heart? Or only in your mind, where doubt creeps in? Are you walking in truth?
You are God's daughter (or son), an heir to the kingdom. Hold your head high - believe it, receive it, then walk in it.
Do not allow distractions, setbacks, or the chaos of this world to make you forget who you are in Christ Jesus. We are in this world, but we are not of it (John 17:14-16). Setbacks are just setbacks, disappointments are just disappointments, and difficult seasons are just that difficult seasons. But it does not define you and they are not the final answer.
God's promises never changes and they are always true, regardless of what you are going through or what your circumstances are. God has given you the power and strength to endure these trials and battles. God says victory is yours, because He has already gone ahead of you and fought the battle for you. Your only assignment is to fully surrender and trust Him. Delayed obedience is disobedience. Prolonged trials will always lead to despair and sin if we fail to trust God.
1 Corinthians 15:57 — "But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 8:37 — "No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us."
Deuteronomy 20:4 — "For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and He will give you victory!"
John 16:33 — "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world."
Deuteronomy 31:8 — "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you."
Jesus did not die on the cross for you to have a discouraged and defeated-down life. No, He is your glory and the lifter of your head. Psalms 3:34 reads, "But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. I cried out to the Lord, and He answered me from His Holy Mountain." It is in God's word that He has given you everything you need to enjoy Him, to see your true identity - not how the world sees you or how you or others define you. God is your creator. We are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Therefore, He has the final say of who you truly are - "loved. Beautiful, enough, worthy, accepted, daughter (or son) of THE KING."
Psalm 139:13-14 — created wonderfully.
Ephesians 1:4-7 — chosen and redeemed.
2 Corinthians 6:18 — daughter of the Lord Almighty.
So, hold your head high. See beyond your problems and thank Him for the challenges in front of you. "We know that suffering or challenges produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” — Romans 5:3-5. Also thank Him for the good things in your life - the breath in your lungs, the eyes to see, the heart to feel and love, your children, your family, your friends, roof over your head, clothes on your back, and food on the table. We have so many things to be thankful for. Celebrate God's goodness and His blessings in your life.
Remember who you are in Christ Jesus, do not allow the enemy to steal that from you and do not give him room to make you doubt otherwise. It is not an easy road to travel alone. But when you invite the Holy Spirit to journey alongside you, together, you can do the hard things, and the path is not terrifying or lonely anymore. Keep your eyes on His promises, instead of your problems and pain.
Jesus said;
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth, you will have many trails and sorrows. Bu take heart because I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33
HE is where the JOY is!