Devotional Time with God

In this world, especially when dealing with other people, being happy is so hard to establish.  It’s even harder to keep. The normal thing that happens are disappointment, sadness, pain, and anguish.  Joy and happiness are so few.  Sometimes I had to dig deep to find it.  By my own strength, the joy that I felt were fleeting and inconsistent.  Eventually, I’ll just feel worn down, emotionally, physically, and yes, even spiritually.

Thankfully, the more consistent and powerful joy is available, and all I have to do is tap in to God’s promises:

The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10

He is my strength. He is the source of my happiness. My life’s challenges can only be solved by knowing He’s with me.  I need to have the desire to work hard, but I also need to have a joyful attitude! The hope that’s in God drives me every day of my life.

The love of God gives me joy!

Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, “If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.”

Nehemiah 1:8-9

Nehemiah asked God to remember.  I know God doesn’t forget His promises.  Why did Nehemiah said it, then?  It’s because he needs to remember God’s promises.  By including the promises made by God in my prayers, I shall remember my faith has its purpose.

O Lord, I thank you for all the promises you’ve fulfilled.  You said you’ll provide my need – you have!  You said you’ll protect me – you do!  You promised me eternal life – you will!  I’m grateful for all you’ve done. I’m thankful for your blessings.  I put my life in you, and claim the promises for my life.  Amen.