As I was in my prayer time last Wednesday morning, I asked God two questions and typed what I heard him say in reply. Sometimes it’s one-word, other times it’s a lot more. I always like to sit on them for a bit, pray about them and then check them against scripture.
Heavenly Father, what is on your heart today? What do you desire?
JOY, the joy of my people. MY people are lacking joy and growing weary without it.
MY joy sustains weary hearts and souls. MY joy lifts up.
Joy is found in my presence.
My people are lacking my presence. They are busy doing things for me rather than with me. They are focused on the what, when, where and how, rather than the who.
I AM the Great I AM. Anything done absent of my presence will lack in joy. In my presence is fullness of joy.
Receive my joy by abiding in me, dwelling with me, walking with me. Not just learning about me but being with me. You would not enjoy the company of your best friend by reading a book about them. You find joy in time spent with them, laughter exchanged with them, relationship built with them. I am no different. You can know everything about me but still not know me.
Let me teach you who I am. Do not forget that as you read my word it is me (my Holy Spirit) that reveals myself to you through my word. If it is studied without my presence, it is man’s empty thoughts and worldly wisdom. Apart from me you can do nothing.
As joy fills my people it will draw the world to them, to know the source of their joy and their strength. You are called to be different, to look different, to live differently. The world cannot offer true joy, only temporary happiness in things and circumstances.
I am the giver (the source) of joy, true joy can only come through me. When you find me, when you walk with me, your joy will be made complete.
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalms 51:12
“Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place.” 1 Chronicles 16:27
“…This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
“As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:9-11
Be Still 
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