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Day 4 | Joy

The joy of the Lord is our strength.  

No wonder it’s the first thing Satan tries to steal.  

Joy is a choice.  

No matter what’s happening around us, the choice is ours.

When finances are tight, when we’re exhausted from life’s juggling act, when we’re stretched as thin as we can be at school, at home, and everywhere in between.  When relationships have gone bad – not the way we would choose…We can choose joy. 

And when we do, our strength is miraculously restored. It’s not a feeling any more than love is a feeling.

It is a decision.  

A choice.  

Choose joy.

Let’s think about joy. List some things that bring joy to your life.  

What are some things that steal your joy?

Think about a time you had true joy in the Lord.  

Do you know a woman who seems to consistently have joy even in less-than-perfect circumstances?  

What are some lessons you could learn from her?

Having deep-rooted joy doesn’t mean you’re always happy. It means that way down deep, you choose to trust the Word of God. It means believing in your heart that God has the best plan for your best future  and choosing to have joy in your spirit. One of the first steps to true joy is thankfulness. Write down things today that you’re thankful God is doing.  

Try not to concentrate on what you’re waiting for Him to do. Think about His faithfulness so far.

What can you do to create an atmosphere of joy in your home? In your friendships? At work?

Search the Word for direction on how to make joy a natural part of your life. What does God say about joy? Today, write about a situation that could easily steal your joy, if you allow it.  

Write down some specific things you can do to keep that from happening. Ask God to give you a promise you can rely on when you feel as though there’s nothing bringing joy to your life.