Written by Jennifer Azubuike
Sometime ago, a series of consecutive events happened that left me depressed and sick; including an accident, money loss and a sad health news. I remember desperately wanting to close my eyes and make everything go away. You could also imagine that the last thing I wanted to do was smile because I was too sad to. In fact, I was so sad that my energy level was below zero, if there’s any such level.
While this was going on, I attended a prayer meeting online. During the meeting, every other person was breaking into tongues and destroying yokes in fervent prayers while I just sat there nodding and feeling detached. In my heart though, I quietly begged God for mercy, and God must have heard!
Because I soon caught the prayer fire and blasted into tongues myself. Shortly after, I felt my spirit revive and the heaviness in my chest lifted away. Do you know what I felt the days following? JOY! Of course those problems didn’t go away, but because I rediscovered my joy, I consequently found strength to go on with life and also face those problems head on.
The experience helped me understand what Christ meant when he said in John 14: 27 “My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled.” In this world, the meaning of peace is the absence of trouble or noise but with Christ the meaning of peace is power for sustenance whether in trouble or peace. This inner peace is the source of our joy, and that joy translates to strength; strength for life.
A popular Nigerian slang says ‘Wahala no dey finish. (Translation: troubles are never ending)’ When you think about it, it is true. Troubles of life don’t announce their arrival nor do they measure themselves to everyone in equal proportion, but everyone has to deal with some form of trouble. So, do we continually stay sad, anxious or depressed? No!
“Then he said unto them…for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 KJV
Life is tough at times; really tough, but I want to remind you that Jesus is ever ready to replenish our joy. If you have to crawl, please crawl to Him because “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: But the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19 KJV
Till next time. Stay lifted.
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I pray that God perfects every aspect of your life. Thank you for sharing
Amen. Thank you Victory!
So on point – and very timely. Had an experience that buttressed this recently.
The joy of the Lord is REALLY strength.
Well done…
Yes, it is! Blessings to you!
Thank you for these words of encouragement.
“In the darkness God will keep me
He will stay and never sleep
In the darkness God is brighter
Though the night is long and deep”
This is only verse 1 of “The Night Song” by CityAlight, which is a song I’ve just started listening to from last weekend and it emphasizes this central idea perfectly.
May the joy of the Lord be our strength always.