December 8, 2003
REJOICE!
It is the middle of the night, ideas whirl around inside my head like bed sheets flapping and snapping on a clothesline in blustery weather. Snuggling in my bed, I try to ignore the accompanying worries yapping at my mind. Too early to get up, but sleep has taken its flight.
Turning on the light, I open Prayers That Avail Much. Reading aloud the Scriptural written prayers, Victory Over Depression, Adoration and To Rejoice in the Lord, I shape all those worries and concerns into prayers of thanksgiving and praise. The raging winds stop and the voice of worry is hushed; replaced with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
Joy is more than a feeling; it is a fruit of the spirit, which takes root within the recreated human spirit. It is God’s will for your joy to be full.
My mother, Donnis Brock Griffin, was an apostle of joy. Sometimes after she spoke, people would come forward wanting her to lay hands on them to receive the joy that radiated from her very being. I can still see her, thrusting her arm heavenward, proclaiming with great emphasis, “This joy is not obtained and maintained through the laying on of hands, but it is found only in His presence!” …in His presence is fullness of joy; at His right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11 NKJV).
Worry, negative attitudes and misbeliefs will rob you of your joy. But you have power and authority over these robbers who are subject to you. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19 NKJV).
You do not have to settle for less than God’s fullness of joy. Jesus promised…you’ll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you (John 16:22Msg). You are redeemed! The Word of God has been given to you so that your joy will be full. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full (1 John 1:4).
You can choose to be happy or unhappy. Thoughts of worry, defeat and doubt will come, but you can turn them out of doors, cast them away by thinking on right things. Praying Scriptural prayers aloud will quiet your mind, and help you refocus.
Meditate on the Word of Truth, the goodness of God, His promises, His testimonies, His nature, His fullness, His authority and His love, and rejoice; again I say rejoice! The worries of this life will begin to drop off and be replaced with joy, confidence and faith when you think on eternal things.
It is a most wonderful time of the year. A time of celebration because we rejoice in God’s gift to us, His Son Jesus Christ. Let the bells of your heart rejoice in prayers of thanksgiving with high-sounding praises. Let the trumpet of your voice announce His praises. Open wide your mouth to shout and sing the truth of His Word: Father, this is the day You have made. I rejoice and I am glad in it! I rejoice in You always. And again I say, I rejoice! (Adapted from Prayers That Avail Much Commemorative Edition and Prayers That Avail Much First Blessings for Your Child)
Copyright 2003 Germaine Copeland
Germaine Copeland is the author of the best selling book series, Prayers That Avail Much. She has written scriptural prayers for the family. Read your Bible, pray and attend church where you can soak up the love and faith of God. You will receive emotional healing, experience spiritual growth and become more intimately acquainted with your Heavenly Father, and your relationships will grow stronger.