When we refer to Apostle Paul, we think of his faith. We know that he was a great man of faith. But I believe that there is another characteristic about this man’s life that should be mentioned right alongside his faith, and that is his joy.
The people in Lamentations had lost many things. They had lost many possessions, confidence, stability, security, peace, and most of all, joy. They didn’t see anything in their lives to be joyful about.
Lamentations 5:21 says, “Turn thou us unto thee, O Lord, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.”
What were they saying? In other words, “God, we need some restoration in our lives. We’ve lost many things. There are many negative things happening in our lives. There is nothing positive that we can point at. And we’ve lost our joy. Our joy has withered away. Restore us, Lord.”
Have you recently asked God for some restoration? Many times, we find ourselves needing restoration. Why? Because Satan is a thief. He comes to steal, to kill and to destroy your life (John 10:10). I’m sure he’s stolen some things from you. He may have stolen your marriage, your finances, your children, your job, your peace, your joy, your confidence. He is a thief out to destroy your life. And what you need is restoration.
You may be waking up in the middle of the night wondering where in the world you are going to get the money to meet that need. God, is it over? Is this as far as we go? What did I do to get into this kind of condition? God, have I sinned? Lord, what is going on here? The worst thing you can do is lose your joy. Joy is vitally important in the midst of adversity. Joy is a powerful force.
Hebrews 10:32-34 says, “But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.”
The most important thing for you to do when Satan is trying to take everything you’ve got is maintain your joy. Don’t ever let him steal your joy. The joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). What you need most in the middle of a storm is strength to carry on.
If you have no joy, you have no strength. If you have no strength, then you can’t resist. If you can’t resist, then the devil will not flee. And if the devil doesn’t flee, then you will not win. Your victory is directly linked to your joy!
Author: Jerry Savelle
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