Joy is one of the greatest assets given to Christians for survival in this world. This joy is truly amazing! Like icing on a cake, it adds sweetness to life. And it’s so vital to our existence that it’s worth every effort that we could make to keep it.

The Bible tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). In other words, His joy creates delight, motivation, and optimism in us. Its presence gives us the mental strength and determination to press on with life endeavors no matter how challenging they may be.

If for any reason we lose this joy, we begin to sense a sadness and heaviness within. As such heaviness persists, we feel our motivation gradually seep away. If our joy is not restored, we soon feel as if our circumstances are too burdensome to bear; even tasks we previously performed with ease become difficult. If our daily responsibilities involve interaction with people, we find ourselves becoming impatient and irritable with them. In short, we lose our “strength.”

When faced with such symptoms, the quickest and surest way to regain our enthusiasm and strength is to turn to the Lord for help. It is really that simple. God is real, and interaction with Him can be as real as with a close friend or spouse. When, in humility, we ask Him for help with this seemingly small but crucial issue, He speedily and tangibly rescues us. He restores our joy and strength and gives us the determination to press on. Circumstances that may have looked really daunting while we were in the pit of sadness begin to look conquerable as we sense an inward nudge to lift them up to Him (Hebrews 4:16).

Have you lost your joy? If so pray; the Lord is listening and He will surely answer.

Pray: Dear Lord, I ask that your joy in me would be fully restored. If there is a specific action I have taken that has opened the door for the enemy to steal my joy, I ask that you show it to me and enable me to repent. I pray that you would teach me to discern, appreciate, and diligently guard your joy in my life. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Meditate: “Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy be made full”(John 16:24).