How Can Prayer Really Assure A Life Full Of Joy?
How are you doing with this prayer challenge? We have passed the midway point. I must say that scheduling a time to spend 30 minutes alone dedicated to prayer was challenging at first (because I didn’t want to get up earlier); but, it is becoming a time I really look forward to. It is said that it takes 21 days to really establish a new habit. If that is true we are well on our way. Don’t worry if you have slipped off or haven’t started yet. Today is a new day. Particularly, I want you to know that prayer is the assurance of full joy in the life of the Christian.
KEY TO GOD’S THRONE ROOM
Christ, as He tried to prepare His apostles for His crucifixion comforted them by telling them that even though they would for a moment feel great sorrow—He would rise again to go to the Father. Once He had gone to be with the Father, He would send the Holy Spirit to dwell in the hearts of each believer to be their comforter and their guide. His death as atonement for our sin and His resurrection as conqueror over death would be the key that opens the door to our father/child relationship with God. He wanted them to understand that they would be equipped with all they needed to perform the task of evangelization, even though He would not be physically present. They would have direct access through prayer to request all they needed from the Father themselves. We have (in the name of Christ) direct access to our Heavenly Father.
© Erik Stenbakken/Licensed from GoodSalt.com
[bctt tweet=”Prayer is the key that opens the floodgates of great Joy in the life of every believer.”]
If I never spend time alone with God, I can never fully understand His goodness, His Glory, His Love toward me, and His Joyous delight in me.
CHRIST’S PROMISE OF JOY
“ Ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:22-23). Some would try to say, “See there it says, whatever I ask I will get. I want millions of dollars and a new car. God hasn’t given me that yet.” Well, my response to that is: you haven’t spent any time alone in the presence of God yet. When you have sat before His Throne and been surrounded by His Love, His Grace, and His Magnificence; your greatest desire becomes His Glory. As you realize that He is the greatest treasure, Joy fills your heart until it seems more that any heart can hold. Then that joy overflows and bubbles forth like fountains of living water for your soul.
PROVISION FOR ALL WE NEED
I am not saying that we don’t need to pray for our needs or our health. We are told to do so; but, then we just lay it there with no more worry or fret. When we recognize the joy we have in God’s presence; we are assured He will supply all that we need to display His Glory to the world. Why do you think Christ said, “31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6).
[bctt tweet=”Christ provides entrance to the throne room. Prayer opens the treasure chest of Joy”]
Have you started a prayer time? I would love for you to share your stories or your prayer needs; you can email me by hitting the contact button below or share by clicking here.
Listen to this song, Joy Unspeakable.
The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you. In fact, if you email him today with the words GIVE, he will give you a 50% discount. Our secret, shhh. Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects.
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
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