Come to think of it, everyone is seeking joy. A little child likes playing with toys because it’s fun and enjoyable. People do all sorts of things because we are all seeking joy. When I went to Tenerife several years ago, I had the opportunity to go out into the deep ocean by boat. I was thrilled to see some whales and this was the very first time to see such wonders. I enjoyed watching the high cliffs and seeing my daughter taking that breath-taking dive into the sea for a swim. I enjoyed the different sea food, playing in the water park, shopping and taking a bus ride for a day excursion, etc.
While holidays are really good and indeed a blessing from God, they come and go and now I can only reminisce on my joyful experience. If on the other hand, you are trapped in something you shouldn’t be doing, I bet, the main reason for doing it is you are seeking joy.
It’s probably not your fault. The truth is, the world in which we live is so hurting. It’s like we are swimming up a river with a very strong current and the river is determined to take us out.
Friends, let us all remember, these short lived experiences of trying to make ourselves happy and joyful, come and go. However, there is joy everlasting in Jesus Christ.
In order to find strength to overcome the challenges of this world, you don’t need drugs, you don’t need to rob people of their property, you don’t need to watch pornography, and you don’t need to kill another human being, let alone commit suicide.
All you need to do is ASK and our heavenly Father is very clear about this:
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God”
James 4: 1-2 [NIV]
Strength to overcome problems comes from joy and it’s there for the asking:
“…..those who don’t have anything: This day is holy to God. Don’t feel bad. The joy of God is your strength!” Nehemiah 8:10 [The Message]
Spend time reading the bible, pray to God and ask Him for whatever you need. Above all, ask Him for everlasting joy and strength. Be honest with Him. Tell Him, “if you don’t help, this is what I am going to do and I don’t like it. Will you not help?”
You will be surprised; God doesn’t want you to pray very long spiritual prayers. But very short, precise and genuine prayers are all you need.
So ask for real joy! It’s a promise from God that whosoever asks, receives. And we know from Monday’s devotional that, God will always follow up His promises with action!
Farai Mutsambiwa
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