When trials or hard times come along, the enemy tries to sneak in with lies that can easily lead to a feeling of defeat. JOY is one of the first things the enemy tries to steal. He waits until we are weak, or at least weaker than normal and he gives it his best shot! He gives US his best shot. He tries to use our pain, uncertainty, and humanity against us. 

We cannot let the enemy get away with these attacks. We cannot accept the lies and we cannot let the enemy win. We must hold on to and protect our Joy and the promises of God! We CANNOT let the enemy and his lies take over our lives. We must stand against the feeling of defeat and fear and put our trust and hope in Jesus. When the enemy starts to attack, we must remind him of who we are! We must remind him that we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37)!

I’m sure you’ve heard sayings related to the power of our words. We all know that once we say something, it is very hard to unsay. What we speak and what we believe starts to become our reality. If we speak negatively, we will start to feel more and more negative. If we dwell on the bad, we will start to believe that there is only bad and nothing good. 

We must speak positive and declare our victory through Jesus! We must declare the power we hold through Him. We must declare all of this right in the face of the enemy. You have power through Him but it’s up to you to believe it, claim it, and live in His power! Speak life! Speak joy! Speak love! 

We may not feel what we are speaking at first but eventually, our feelings will catch up to what we are saying! Start somewhere…I am a conqueror, I am strong, I can do this, I have power through Jesus, I am full of Joy, I am going to succeed…and keep going! You will be amazed at the power you feel through your positive words! And trust me, it gets a little easier the more you do it! 

Psalms 9:1-4 – NLT 

I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with JOY because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. My enemies retreated; they staggered and died when you appeared. For you have judged in my favor; from your throne you have judged with fairness.

Stay joyful in times of hardship and watch it confuse your enemy! 

Psalm 30:5 – KJV

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but JOY comes with the morning. 

XXO Alexandrea