THE MONTH OF JOY

12/1/2023

"Therefore with joy, you will draw water from the wells of salvation." (Isaiah 12:3).

Nothing is as detrimental as the sense of hopelessness and defeat. It's easy to believe that your life is on a downward spiral and that the approaching end of 2023 signifies a permanent state of despair. Some may question why anything would change in December if it has stayed the same since January. This mindset can swiftly remove you from God's covering. Just because the circumstances around you indicate that 2023 won't align with your hopes doesn't hold any weight in the eyes of God. If God hasn't signaled defeat, don't entertain such thoughts. These feelings are a cunning ploy by the enemy to lure you away from the place where miracles and victories await, leaving you susceptible to manipulation.

Child of God, 2023 remains your year of wonder, and possibilities abound if you can believe. Even if you were to imagine a scenario where God declared this year concluded, it shouldn't unsettle you. Such an announcement shouldn't become a trigger for reverting to old habits or making hasty life decisions. Take inspiration from Hezekiah's story, where he managed to reverse a seemingly irrevocable decree from God. Hezekiah had brought calamity upon himself through disobedience. Yet, when he humbled himself before God and sought mercy, Papa God forgave him and granted him an additional fifteen years of life. This miraculous extension occurred after God had initially declared his life over. Hezekiah could have succumbed to despair, adopting an attitude like, "Since God has declared my life over, I might as well indulge in self-destructive behavior." However, he chose a different path. He turned his face to the wall and fervently called upon the name of the Lord. Isaiah 38:4-6 recounts, "Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: 'Go and tell Hezekiah, "This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city."'

Dear Child of God, the enemy's primary desire is to witness your faith waver in the promises of God for what He declared as yours or what He intends for 2023. He preys on your perceived weaknesses and disappointments, magnifying what others say about you until he convinces you that your life holds no value. But let me affirm this to you: Your life is priceless! God's word for you and your family is still good. Your future is within grasp, and God has His hands all over it. Regardless of the severity of your circumstances, it holds no weight before God. This year can still unfold as a year of wonder for you.

In Jeremiah 32:27, God declared to the prophet, "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" Beloved saint, do not be deceived by the enormity of the challenges before you; your God surpasses them all. Isaiah 40:28-31 paints a vivid picture of the Almighty's capabilities. "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might, He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."

I believe the Lord is saying to you, "Wait on me, and you will see your heart's desire come to pass."

Child of God, do not succumb to spiritual weariness. God is always on time; He is never late. Now, turn that hopeless feeling that things didn't work out into JOY. This is still your year of wonder! With that, I welcome you to the month of Joy. The Lord is saying, go on the attack with joy. Raise a wall of joy over your destiny and those around you. Confront doubt with the power of joy and consistently uphold a joyful stance.

God bless you!

Faith-Filled Confession:

I am called to a life filled with grace, joy, peace, health, and wealth. My path is set on course for continuous victory. No satanic, human, natural, or systematic force can subdue or bring me down. I live under an open heaven, firmly rooted in the Rock—Jesus. Unspeakable joy, brimming with glory, defines my existence! Hallelujah!

Prayer Points:

Psalm 122:6, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you."

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Pray against plans to use the crises in Israel to launch other attacks in the United States.

Pray for Washington and all who are in positions of authority in the United States.

ONE-YEAR READING PLAN: Ezekiel 36-37; 1 Peter 3