Joyfulness vs. Self-pity
Hello, all Royal Prayer Guards and all who join us! It is encouraging to know that people will do God’s will.
I pray all is well with you and your family!
This is a time in history when we really need to be diligent in the things of God.
Every prayer focus we have completed in the past has built our prayer muscle. I believe God desires us to continually use that prayer muscle for those in need.
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” Colossians 4:2
We would all agree that it takes time and energy to pray.
In our prayer efforts, there will be many battles and can cause us to lose our joy and become grieved and depressed.
This prayer focus is directed to those in Christ Jesus. The reason why is so we can help those who are not stable.
Our goal in this focus is to maintain our joy. "And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold." (Nehemiah 8:10)
One question!
Where does God desire us to be? The answer could be one key to our joy and prevent us from being grieved, depressed, dejected, or sad.
If we are losing the joy of the Lord and experiencing self-pity, consider these verses from God's Word.
"And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:23-24
Example: Maintaining the joy of the Lord.
“The bobcat can be truly happy and joyful only when allowed to roam freely in the country where God intended it to be. To remove an animal from the wild is never recommended unless one knows for sure that its parents are dead."
Original source: Character Sketches Vol 2 Page 269 ©Institute in Basic Life Principles. Used with permission.
Suggestions in our prayer time:
1. Pray that our joy is full! (John 16:23-24)
2. Maintain our joy daily. (James 1:22, Hebrews 4:2)
3. Use our strength wisely! (Ephesians 6:10, Proverbs 24:3, James 3:13-18)
4. Be where God desires us to be. (Luke 22:42, Romans 8:14)
Resources:
Click here. Comprehensive material about joyfulness vs. Self-Pity.
Click here. Elijah Priests of Baal Fail/Self-Pity (Dramatized Audio)
Click here. Believers vs. Doubters Where do we desire to be? INSIDE or OUTSIDE? (New video)
Thank you,
Pastor Vince Marino
Surefooted Ministries
Royal Prayer Guards