February 28, 2023
Hope for the Future Restores Joy!
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NKJV)
Beloved, the secret to having real joy is only found in the presence of the Lord. (Psalms 16:11) The joy of the Lord then becomes your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) He will fill your heart with greater joy each time you are in His presence. (Psalms 4:7) In quietness alone with God, you will discover peace flowing through your veins from the crown of your head to the souls of your feet, even in the middle of great adversity. (Philippians 4:7)
David said, ‘when anxiety was great within me, your comfort brought joy to my soul. (Psalms 94:19) If you are not spending quiet time in God’s presence, the cares of life will weigh you down you lose your joy! It’s the reason many have blurred vision – they have lost their hope for the future. Without a vision, people perish. (Proverbs 29:18)
Ask God to give you insight into the plan he has for you and fill you with His joy! You will notice your eyes will improve, and hope will return. The hope of the righteous (in right standing with God) brings joy! (Proverbs 10:28) Hope and the peace of God will flow through your veins, and there will be a refreshing! This peace is a gift from God. (John 14:27) Spending time in His presence and reading His Word is refreshing to your spirit and soul.
There are two keys to having joy and strength:
1. In My presence is the fullness of joy
2. Joy gives you strength. (Psalms 16:11b)
There are no words that can really express the joy of the Lord! You will have joy unspeakable and full of glory. (1 Peter 1:8) The joy of the Lord gives you strength! (Nehemiah 8:10) The God of hope says, ‘This is My commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. Today is a sacred day of the Lord, don’t be discouraged or sad; for the joy of the Lord is your strength! (Nehemiah 8:10 b)
Make this declaration:
I declare and decree I will spend quiet time in God’s presence today and be filled with the joy of the Lord, and it will become my strength. The God of hope will fill me with joy and peace as I trust Him so that I may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name.
