Dear friend…
If you need help fighting for your joy, Margaret Feinberg’s new book can help.
Some days the thoughts come like an assault as soon as I open my eyes…
You’re not doing enough.
You’re letting people down.
When are you going to get it together?
Other days the lies slip in at unexpected moments like sneaky shots from a sniper. But it seems like every day I do battle. Every single day. You too?
A few years ago I uttered a frustrated prayer in my car, “God, why does the enemy seem so determined to destroy my joy?” And it felt like I heard a whisper within my heart in response: “He’s not really after your joy. He’s after your strength.”
Immediately I thought of Nehemiah 8:10: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Ah, yes, now it made sense.
The enemy of my soul wasn’t simply out to make me have a bad day. Instead he was trying to do something far more sinister: make me ineffective in the Kingdom. Weaken my faith. Quiet my voice. Make sure I cowered in fear rather than standing in faith.
We’ve all probably had well-meaning people say to us, “Just be joyful!” like it’s an easy thing. As if the moment we decided to follow Jesus our lives would be cotton candy happy forever so we should just get with the program. But here’s the truth, friend: Joy requires all out war. Every day. For the rest of our lives.
But here’s the good news: You aren’t fighting alone. God is with you, for you and on your side. He is even more committed to your victory than you are. “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” {Rom. 8:37}. We just have to be willing to join the battle.
We’re told to put on the armor of God and there is only one offensive weapon in it: “The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” {Eph. 6:17}. We guard our joy with truth. When the lies come we have to slash them with what God says instead…
You’re not doing enough.
I only have to do what Jesus wants me to today and He will enable me to do so: “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength” {Phil. 4:13}.
You’re letting people down.
I’m not perfect so sometimes I will let people down but what matters is being obedient to God: “We are not trying to please people, but God” {Gal. 1:10}.
When are you going to get it together?
I’m human and as long as I’m on earth, I’ll still be in progress but God is growing me each day: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” {Phil. 1:6}.
Don’t believe the enemy: You’re not a weakling. You’re a warrior. So stand firm, friend. Raise the sword of truth. Never surrender your joy. It’s time to fight like girls. Girls who belong to the God who can never be defeated.
This is my battle cry for us today: Are you with me?
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If you’re interested in purchasing Fight Back With Joy, you’ll find it at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. The 6-Session Bible Study that goes along with the book can be purchased here.
Friends, can I encourage you to also watch the book trailer below? Let’s #FightBackWithJoy together!
Fight Back With Joy 6-Session DVD Bible Study Promo Video from Margaret Feinberg on Vimeo.
