Deploy JoySample

Get Ready, Soldier!

I was an Army brat growing up. We moved many times, whether my dad was enlisted or not, because of his Army background and lack of contentment. He served in Vietnam and saw many atrocities.

While in this space, I'd like to thank ALL who have served and are serving in any military branch of the great United States of America. I always say that Missionaries and the Military are my biggest Earthly heroes. They sign up to risk their lives and sacrifice so much so that others can live free. This reminds me of Someone very Special who came before any of them and sacrificed the ultimate price.

We are all called to be soldiers in the Army of Jesus Christ. We are all called to live joyously and victoriously by daily deploying Jesus Christ as the very core of who we are. Our identity should be found solely in Him!

How can we live in a state of deployed joy when so much goes wrong around us/in us/with our loved ones? Scripture tells us to "Count it all JOY" when we suffer in different ways because we know that it will give us steadfastness; it strengthens us and completes us so that we lack nothing.

What? Count it all joy when I am grieving? When I am hurting? When I see atrocities around me, that makes no sense? The short answer is yes.

Sometimes, merely asking for it is all that's needed. The Lord will deploy joy to our spirit, heart, and mind because it is in His will! James tells us that we "have not, because we ask not." (James 4:2)

If I find myself having "stinking thinking," then I can quickly ask Jesus to "restore to me the joy of His salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit." (Psalm 51:12). He is Faithful and Just to give us what we ask when it is within His will for us.

PRAYER:

Jesus,

Ready me, Your soldier deployed by The Almighty, Yourself. I am chosen. I am wanted and loved, and only You can equip me for the battles I face now and will face later. Dress me fully in the armor of God that I may better serve you and do it with joy. In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen!