Day 8 - 40 Days of JOY

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of JOY
Day  8 | JOY: THE RESULT OF ANSWERED PRAYER
JOY: THE RESULT OF ANSWERED PRAYER

John 16:24
“Until now you have asked nothing in My Name; ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full.”


I think it’s hard for many believers to accept the truth that the LORD truly wants us to be FULL of joy!

Perhaps it’s because those folks grew up in the “fire and brimstone” type of churches where the emphasis was on punishment and death. Maybe it is that their parents didn’t exhibit the Christ-like qualities of forgiveness and love. It could be a myriad of other reasons having little or nothing to do with their parents or a church.

I think many people, Christians or not, don’t associate the LORD with us having JOY.  And let me tell you where THAT thinking comes from… the devil himself.

You see, John 10:10 tells us: “The thief (aka the devil) comes to KILL, to STEAL and to DESTROY.”

 And if he (Satan) can keep you from ASKING like this verse (John 16:24) tells us, then he has a double win.  NO answered prayer for you and NO joy.

And what is the lie that Satan is subtly telling you?  “God’s busy with some big things.  Your request is so small, don’t bother God.”  Or, “You know, this asking has gotten you nowhere.  Stop wasting yours and His time.”  Or, “You’re so imperfect, why would God want you to give you joy?”

Be discerning.  Recognize the Enemy’s work and don’t let him STEAL from you what GOD wants for His children… for YOU:  answered prayer and to be FULL of joy!

Prayer: LORD, thank You that you’ve not left me, your child, here with no guidance, but You’ve given me Your Word and Your Spirit to guide me into the truth, and I know that the truth shall set me free!  Amen.