I will…continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. (Philippians 1:25)

Restore to me the joy of my salvation. (Psalm 51:8)

Faith and joy are practically synonymous. Still, we find those who walk the walk of faith doing so sad, defeated, and depressed.

There are times when we come to the realization that we have missed a God-opportunity. This is almost always a path to regret. Nehemiah had led the exiled Jews back to Jerusalem to find the city walls in total disrepair. As the Israelites began to rebuild the walls, they also began to rebuild their lives, reacquainting themselves with God’s Word. As they did, they found, as we all do, that their lives had not fully aligned with God’s principles. This gave them cause to grieve.

First, Nehemiah encouraged the down-heartened Israelites to eat good food! Don’t forget to feed your body well when you are experiencing signs of depression. God never ignores the physicality of our lives. Our bodies are His temple and they are to be maintained with care.
Have you missed God somehow, and this has become a source of sadness for you? Then hear these words of encouragement. Let doubt and regret dissipate. Begin to drink in the sweet presence of the Lord and His sweet Truth…

Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10).

God gives us a fresh start when we simply turn our hearts to Him. If your life is lackluster and full of regret, and if you are feeling drained of joy, pray this plain and simple prayer of faith. Then wait expectantly for joy to return and flood your life again.

Father,

Your Word is my source of encouragement. Today I want to trade in my joyless countenance for a spirit of praise and thanks. I ask You to recycle this old, worn-out me for a new me with a renewed outlook, a God-perspective on my life and circumstances.

Restore the original joy I found when I first laid eyes on Your truth. Make me new again! My spirit needs Your resuscitation. Breathe in my nostrils the breath of life as You did with Adam. Holy Spirit, fill me with the life and breath of my Creator!

Set my feet to rejoice again! Fill me with good food and restore me to great friends who will help me walk this path with joy! Joy is Your will and Your way!

I choose joy today! And I wait expectantly as You fill me with the capacity for joy once again.

In Jesus’ Name
Amen!

Won’t you revive us agin, so your people can rejoice in you! (Psalm 85:6)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)

-Mark and Jill