Sometimes I feel the devil laying a heaviness on me. The heaviness at times, feels immovable. The truth is that this heaviness is often tied to the enemy lying which doesn’t reflect God’s heart or  reality.
In light of that here are some REASONS TO BE JOYFUL:

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10

God is life-giving. Whatever thoughts/feelings are stealing, killing, destroying your life are not from God. God gives life in ABUNDANCE. Abundant means: existing or available in large quantities, plentiful. Similar words would be rich, lavish, overflowing, bountiful, great!

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

God’s work and assignments for us are EASY and LIGHT. He takes away the heavy burden, he gives REST. If work feels heavy and is tiring you, ask God to teach you His way of approaching it. Learn from Him.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1

God does NOT CONDEMN you. Wow. Forgiveness is a powerful gift. God is a God of new days, new dawns, and fresh starts.

 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:3-12

There are undoubtedly times of sadness in our lives and our work. It’s not expected that our joy to comes from of always smiling and acting like everything is good (otherwise why would those who mourn be called blessed?). There are still hardships. However, our God is more powerful than sin, more powerful than death, and certainly more powerful than the devil! We are people of hope! Our joy is because we live in His victory! The battle rages on, yet we know the outcome. There is no evil nor obstacle God hasn’t defeated and no wound he can’t heal. All is being and will continue to be restored! Including you, His precious child.