What steps can we take to restore joy and gladness in our lives? Seeing the Problem Clearly • Joel 1:16 sets the scene: “Has not food been cut off before our eyes—joy and gladness from the house of our God?” • Israel’s outward famine mirrors an inward famine of joy. When our spiritual “food” is lacking, gladness disappears. • First step: admit what has been lost. Joy fades when worship, gratitude, or obedience dry up. Acknowledge and Turn Back • Joel 2:12-13: “‘Even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘return to Me with all your heart… Rend your hearts and not your garments.’” • Genuine repentance restores fellowship. – Identify any sin or neglect. – Confess it honestly (1 John 1:9). – Purpose to obey afresh. Re-Center on Worship • Notice Joel’s focus: joy was missing “from the house of our God.” Reconnect with corporate and private worship. – Gather consistently with believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Sing, serve, and listen to the Word; joy grows where God is praised (Psalm 22:3). – At home, set aside daily time for Scripture and prayer; these are spiritual meals. Feed on the Word • Jeremiah 15:16: “Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart.” • Practical ideas: – Read one Gospel chapter daily. – Memorize one gladness-focused verse each week (e.g., Psalm 16:11; Philippians 4:4). – Journal insights; thanksgiving follows revelation. Choose Thanksgiving • Psalm 100:4: “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” • Make a gratitude list morning and night. • Verbally thank God in advance for answers (Philippians 4:6-7). Peace and joy are linked. Expect Restoration • Joel 2:25-26: “I will repay you for the years eaten by locusts… You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied.” • God delights to restore what was lost—believe it. • Psalm 51:12: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.” Pray it with confidence. Walk in Ongoing Obedience • John 15:10-11: keeping His commandments leads to “complete” joy. • Daily obedience keeps the joy pipeline open. – Serve someone each day. – Guard speech (Ephesians 4:29). – Flee compromise quickly. Live Outwardly, Not Inwardly • 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 links cheerful giving with abounding grace. • Engage in generous acts—time, resources, encouragement. God multiplies joy in the giver. Celebrate Small Restorations • Record and celebrate even slight increases in gladness. • Share testimonies with trusted friends. Shared joy is doubled joy (Romans 12:15). Consistent application of these steps—repentance, worship, Word intake, thanksgiving, obedient living, generous service—opens the door for the Lord to restore the full measure of joy and gladness He intends. |
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