Look what the Lord has done!! We have made it to September and have arrived safely to the month of October. There has been tragic news from different countries in the world and many people did not make it to October. Some lost their lives in bomb blasts, some in mass shootings, and some in wars. It is sobering to think that some might not even make it to the end of this night. And yet our God has kept us against all odds. Therefore, I want to encourage you to approach October with a positive attitude for it is the Lord who has given us this brand new month. In this month that the Lord has made, and we will rejoice and be glad (Psalm 118:24).
Let's focus on the word 'WILL' in the above scripture. That word denotes personal choice. Some of its synonyms are: determination, intention, longing, prerogative, purpose, heart's desire, resolve, discipline, declaration, embrace and to make up one's mind. Rejoicing is a personal choice and we need to make up our minds right from the beginning of this month that we will rejoice in the Lord. We must make it our prerogative and resolve to be joyful. Our enemy Satan seeks to devour our joy using negative circumstances. Sometimes he uses those close to us, or even those we trust and care about, as a source of grief to us. I am not sure what September was like for you, but for some, joy was nowhere to be found. This is why we need to rather be like a palm tree that does not break under pressure, but bends and bounces right back.
The Bible says that we should not let Satan outsmart us but that we should know how he does his evil work (2 Corinthians 2:11). One of the key weapons which Satan aims at our joy is the past. Although the past means something that no longer exists, something gone, and something that is behind, we sometimes act like our past is current, especially if there was pain, regret, guilt, rejection or failure involved. We tend to build shrines around these situations even though they no longer exist. We stop celebrating today because we pay homage to 'MR PAST'. In that process 'MISS PRESENT' passes us by, carrying our presents with her because we are not present to receive them. We are too busy flirting with 'MR PAST'. No wonder why the Prophet Isaiah says, 'forget about what's happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand new.' Isaiah 43:18-19 (Message Translation).
Be determined to be completely present in the month of October. Don’t let any day of this new month be stolen from you. Refuse to flirt with the past. Daily discipline yourself to rejoice because this is the day, and the month, that the Lord has made for you and me. You are a significant woman and God has great plans for you. He wants to use you mightily to be a blessing in your sphere of influence. Your joy matters to all who are linked to you at any capacity, starting from your home. Joy is your weapon of influence so don’t let go of it.
I love you and pray for you and I know our Heavenly Father delights in your joy. The joy of the Lord is your strength. Enjoy the month of October.
Much love and blessings.
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