Joy that comes from within!

Because it is so important that we understand this, today I want to revisit yesterday's topic. It is a reality that the devil does not like to see us happy and therefore attacks our identity in Jesus—and wants to make us doubt this truth—and doubt prevents the happiness that God intended for us!

Doubts prevent the joy that faith wants to give you!

What are your biggest doubts, friend? Doubts about your future? Doubts about your appearance? Even doubts about whether you are "good enough" for God?

Ah, these are all subjects that are very pleasing to the enemy, because he knows, "If I can feed friend that lie, then friend will never be truly joyful." And you want to be joyful, don't you? God wants you to be joyful!

"Yes, but life just isn't always easy, Déborah. Do you really think God wants us to be full of joy?" You might like to ask me that question because you’re under a cloud right now.

friend, what I tell you always comes from my heart. And I fill my heart with the Word of God, which says: 

"How priceless is your unfailing love [grace], O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights [joy].” (Psalm 36:8-9 NIV)

I love the clear connection of grace and joy in this verse! It emphasizes that God wants to be gracious to us even when we are "not good enough" in our own eyes, fail over and over again, and the enemy wants to keep bringing that to our attention. 

But God wants to show us grace and "give us joy to drink". He fills us with joy! Isn't that a beautiful picture?

Paul also reminds us of this truth: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8 NIV) 

In German, that verse begins with, "Once again!” That means that even Paul had to explain this a few times and people still doubted God's great grace! 

And friend, if Paul, of all people, a person who did not have a sinless past, could trust God's grace, that’s proof enough that we all can!

Don't let your doubts distract you. God wants to give you joy today!

friend, you may and you shall be joyful!

You are a miracle!