Most Benevolent Lord, when I have not listened to Your voice and done my own thing, You still loved me and patiently wait for me to come to my senses. You have always been my strength … the one I could count on … the one in whose arms I feel safe. With joy You’ve come to my aid and with joy I receive it. You have done wondrous things for Your creation and many marvelous things for me. Because You enrich my life with many good things, my heart cries out in unending praise and thanksgiving and I’m filled with a desire to share You with others. From my inner most being, I yearn to show You my gratitude through the things I think, say and do. When I’m able to do that, I experience the fullness of joy. In the same way that You dried up the Red Sea so Your people could cross to the other side, You’ve dried up many of my problems so I could walk free of them.
As I go through tough times, I try to keep my focus on You and, in so doing, I’m able to maintain my hope and joy. I’ve come to learn that my inner feelings do not have to be reflected in the way I lead my life. I can project joy because no matter what is going on, You are with me. It is easy to get discouraged while going through unpleasant circumstances or taking unimportant things too seriously. However, I can take courage and remain joyful in knowing that You will work things out for me … if I allow You to do it. Maintaining a proper perspective is important during times of stress and trials. I must take courage in knowing that because I belong to You, You will fulfill the purposes You have for me regardless of what circumstances may show. The joy I receive from You maintains my faith and helps me overcome anxiety. When things seem improbable, I take solace in the fact that You can make them doable.
Peace flows from joy and guards my heart and mind as I submit to Your will. My comfort and rejoicing come from knowing that You have everything under control and nothing escapes Your watchful eyes. I must strive to maintain a positive and hopeful outlook … which is more than just trying to look positive … because I know You are faithful and will provide an escape for every trap set to catch me. As Your child, my place at Your banqueting table is assured, my destiny is set and You’ve give me the power to overcome sin. The outlook I allow to form in my mind depends on who and what I listen too … and they can either increase my joy or rob me of it. If I put my focus on things that are pure, right, excellent and good … these things are all found in Your Word … I will be stronger in my faith and trust in You. In so doing, I’ve come to experience the fullness of joy. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
John 15:10-11 If you keep My commands, you will abide in My love; even as I have kept my Father’s commands and abide in His love. These things have I spoken to You that My joy will remain in you, and that your joy might be full.