ENGAGING THE ATTITUDE OF JOY

Bible Texts: Hab.3:17-19, Matt.11:6, Ps.98:1, Ps.96:12, Ps.100:1-2, Is.61:3, Ps.119:89, Num.23:19, Philp.4:4, Philp.2:13, 1Thess.5:16-18, 2Chro.20:22, Matt.7:7, Jn.10:10

The times we are in all over the world require a deliberate commitment of believers in Christ to cultivate the attitude of joy otherwise many will derail from the faith and may even die untimely. A few days ago, I was informed that a former colleague of mine we both worked in the bank but at different branches, who slumped and passed away a few weeks ago. It was sad news and the reality of the present times.

Let us read this Scripture

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they may be called the tree of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that they might be glorified (Is.61:3)

Anytime, it appears you are sad and burdened in your spirit, know that the spirit of heaviness is creeping in to make you murmur and complain and steal your joy (Num.11:1). Immediately ask the Lord to fill you with the garment of praise. There is this song I sing in this circumstance. It goes like this,

I have joy like a river, I have joy like a river, I have joy like a river in my soul (2x),

Joy like a river in my soul

I have peace like a river, peace like a river, I have peace like a river in my soul (2x),

Peace like a river in my soul

You must judge God faithful and His word true.

Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven (Ps.119:89)

As the husbandman, it may seem as if your faith in the word of God and your work towards becoming the good and godly man, husband and father is not yielding the results you want to see in your life. It is like the more you believe the word of God and walk the truth of its instructions for you as the man, husband and father, the more you fail in becoming the godly husbandman. Don’t give up on God and His word (Matt.11:6). He never lies (Num.23:19).

You must surround yourself with soul lifting Christian songs of praise and worship.

O sing unto the Lord a new song, for he hath done marvelous things, his right hand and his holy arm hath gotten him the victory (Ps.98:1)

Praise and worship songs have the power to lift your soul and help you see through the faithfulness of God and His word. It cures discouragement, hopelessness and fear (Ezk.2:2). The more you allow the songs to reach your soul, the more hopeful you are for a glorious tomorrow in God.

Rejoice! Again, I say be joyful!

SPIRITUAL EXERCISE

• Father, in the Name of Jesus, forgive me for allowing the spirit of heaviness and ingratitude to gain root in my life.
• Father, in the Name of Jesus, deliver me from the spirit of murmuring and complaining.
• Father, in the Name of Jesus, baptize me with the spirit of joy and empower me to have the attitude of gratitude.

FAITH CONFESSION

My God is faithful and His word is true, therefore, I rejoice always and joy in the God of my salvation, regardless of the challenges because that is that attitude that makes me an overcomer as the good and godly husbandman in Jesus name. Amen.

The devotional IN TUNE WITH GOD© is published by The Husbandman Mission International, Headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria

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Jesus Christ is Lord over all.

Bro. Ebenezer O. Igure

Head of Mission

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