Keep the Joy of the Lord Flowing

Keep the Joy of the Lord Flowing

Is there something or someone in your life trying to steal your joy?  I recently had an epiphany that I was allowing negativity, confusion, and anxiety, to consume my thoughts and time. However, if these are center stage in my heart, then God is not.  Jesus is my source of joy.  Therefore, I refuse to allow outside forces to infiltrate my joy.  I must keep the joy of the Lord flowing. 

The  Beaver State

From my recent trip to Canada, I discovered that both Oregon and Canada share the same mascot—the beaver.  In terms of Oregon history, trapping and hunting were huge sources of revenue in the early 19^th century during the height of the fur trade.  Beavers are large rodents found in fresh water.  Because of Oregon’s many rivers and streams, beavers live in abundance.  Early settlers trapped beavers, and their hides were used to make beaver hats, a profitable commodity.  Consequently, the  beaver was named the state mascot when Oregon became a state in 1859.

The Work of the Beaver

Beavers are industrious and determined critters, continually working to create a safe and secure living environment.  Anatomically designed with razor sharp teeth, beavers build dams or lodges using mud, tree branches, and debris.  These dams serve as homes for the beavers; but also restrict water flow.  It has even been documented that through their ingenuity, beavers can manipulate a river’s current.  That is quite a feat! 

The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength

Spiritually speaking, I believe that Satan and the beaver have much in common.  Satan is also working overtime.  However, unlike the beaver, his deeds are nefarious.  Strategically, Satan is attempting to dam up what is good and life-giving in my life.

And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b

If my joy isn’t rooted  in the Lord, then I become weak and vulnerable.  Satan knows this, so is frantically trying to block my joy.  My goal is to keep the joy of the Lord flowing. https://youtu.be/ULJ7yNEWP9Y?si=iKc1cILWIGV5Tdeb Therefore, I must be watchful and not allow people or circumstances to steal my joy.  

Joy Verses Happiness

Joy and happiness are not the same.  Happiness is based on happenings.  However, joy is irrespective of our circumstances.  Joy stems from knowing Jesus and His power and authority in my life.  Therefore, joy is a stabilizing factor.  It sticks around and doesn’t get chased off by trouble.  Can you see why Satan is desperately working to block our joy?  We must keep the Lord flowing.

Dear Jesus, You are my Joy.  Make me aware of any harmful influence or person who takes my focus away from You.  Shield me from harm.  I want my strength to be in You alone.  I want to keep the Joy of the Lord flowing in my life.  Amen.

Questions to Consider

1. Is the Joy of the Lord your strength?  How do you know?
2. What outside forces are attempting to steal your joy?

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.  John 15:11