Instead

Jesus put His hands over the man’s eyes a second time and made him look up. The man opened his eyes wide and he could see everything perfectly. His eyesight was completely restored! Mark 8:25 TPT

GOD, I apologise for the times when I have doubted Your power, because I see my own weakness. Forgive me, Lord, and let me see Your power and guidance not once, but always in my life.

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here, for He has been raised, just as He said. Come and see the place where He was lying. Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. He is going ahead of you into Galilee. You will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you!” So they left the tomb quickly, with fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples.  Matthew 28:5-8 NET

Hurting lives will find in us the consolation that we have found in God.  Thus our Joy becomes contagious, “pouring” into those around us with His Joy! Sounds tangled but its so simple, God is joy. Jesus brings joy, Holy Spirit shares joy. 

And I totally believe It is possible for Jesus’ followers to be joyful and afraid at the same time. Then and now. When an angel told the women who came to His tomb that He had risen from the dead, they were “afraid yet filled with joy.” 

So do not let fear keep you from experiencing the Joy of His Presence. It is not a luxury reserved for times when our problems—and the crises in the world—seem under control. His presence is everyday, when deep in grief and anguish as much as when celebrating. 

John 16:22 NET So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.

Jesus Christ’s loving Presence is ours to enjoy today, tomorrow, and forever! Do not give in to joyless living by letting worries about the present or the future weigh you down. 

Instead, remember that neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from God’s Love.

Talk with Him about your fears, expressing your thoughts and feelings freely. Think on it, we can relax in His Presence and entrust all our concerns to Him. 

Then ask God to bless you with His Joy, which no one can take from you.  The more often we turn our thoughts to Him, the more we will enjoy His perfect Peace and deep joy.