Truth:
This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 (New International Version)
Thought:
The book of Nehemiah is such a good analogy for our fast from negativity. If I would have seen it early enough, the “40 Days for Life Above the Negativity” would have been 52 days, since that’s how long it took the people to re-build the walls of Jerusalem to a defensible position and that’s a metaphor for what we’re doing now.
Those rebuilding the walls endured distraction, ridicule and discouragement. This is what most of us have endured as we rid ourselves of everything contrary to the will of God expressed in Scripture.
Negativity saps our joy, but Nehemiah told the people to stop looking at the situation because “the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Joy, like all of the fruit of the Spirit, is a choice. It’s something we choose to have despite our situation. Now that’s not very practical or encouraging when you’re in the middle of disappointment and discouragement. So here’s another truth that is more practical:
Joy is something we choose to pursue. David wrote:
You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:11 (New International Version)
We can practice the presence of God and recognize He is everywhere present and find joy in knowing that. We also need to pursue the palpable presence of God, slowing our conversation with Him and taking time to listen to His voice.
And joy can overwhelm us, regardless of the circumstance we face.
Prayer:
Lord, I need joy. I need laughter. I need to celebrate the good things that a good God has given me and made for me. Lord, You are good and You fill me with joy in your presence. Help me to recognize Your presence today. Fill me with joy as I make time to pursue Your palpable presence. Your joy is my strength.
Challenge:
Choose joy today. Practice the presence of God – slow down enough to recognize He is everywhere present. Pursue the palpable presence of God - spend some time relaxing in His presence, expecting Him to fill you with joy.
Declaration:
I choose to reflect the light of the Son to the side of the world that’s away from the Son. I choose to put on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
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Thanks for helping others live life above the negativity!
Day 10 already – I should fast from negativity for the rest of my life – why go back like a maggot to the rotten flesh of negativity – I hope you are all renewed in your joy!
Steve
Steve, I have pastors often grunt at me, “Shouldn’t that be the way Christians always live?” when I tell them about the negativity fast. I have to agree, but then ask them how they would move the piano from one side of the stage to the other.
Sometimes it takes some prompting, but after a while they all agree the best approach is “one inch at a time”.
That’s why I encourage people to START with fasting from negativity.
It’s something I tell writers as well – “Trick yourself into starting to write by writing only 15 minutes a day.” Once I show them how to plan their book, writing 15 minutes a day will get that book written in a month.
Good Morning RevTrev – Literally 2 1/2 years ago, I did not know joy. I didn’t use the word, I didn’t have a working definition of it, and I certainly did not know that it came from the Lord. Today is much different – and the title of C.S. Lewis’ partial autobiography “Surprised by Joy” aptly describes my experience when I found it in Christ!
I’m pressed but not crushed persecuted not abandoned
Struck down but not destroyed
I’m blessed beyond the curse for his promise will endure
And his joy’s gonna be my strength
“Trading my Sorrows” by Darrell Evans
Thank you for reminding me that the fruits of the Spirit are mine for the choosing…Be Blessed!
John. We’ve all been and all will be through the mill. That’s why I’ve also written a book on Hope. I need it and need to teach others how to hold on it.
Thanks for all your comments. Praying for you and your ministry.