Isn't it wonderful to have a reason to get out of bed in the morning? And be able to do it with a smile on your face, and a spring in your step? We can all have that when Jesus calls us friend!

When we know that no matter what happens today or what happened yesterday, Jesus loves us and calls us his friend, then we can know we are loved beyond measure. We can know it without a second thought! How wonderful to be able to know that you are loved beyond your own ability to think or feel!

We definitely can feel that love every single day my friends. To know that love, in a world like we live in today, is something that money and possessions cannot afford. That is the Joy of the Lord. No amount of money can buy what it is a free gift when you give your heart to Jesus. The troubles of this life cannot touch it, the worries cannot taint it, and the pain cannot stop it! Praise God!

When I suffered with depression for many years I use to think there would be no end to the pain and the loneliness, that the world did not care and though they spoke caring words, it was meaningless. I felt that the caring words they spoke were just noises and people were only out for themselves or what they could get from someone. My friends, this is what happens to most people in the world today. This is reality for the ones who do not have the love of God in them and the ones who refuse to accept it.

When I gave my heart to Christ, something miraculous happened that day. I felt peace within my Spirit for the first time in my life! The storms in my life did not stop but the storm was not my focus anymore, God was! I battled bouts of depression for some years later, and it still tries from time to time to rear its ugly head, but that low spirit no longer steals my joy and my peace!

How do you get this joy you ask? Well, first you must accept Christ as your Savior, then you allow him to heal those places in you that have been the enemy’s playground for so long. We must pray and willing choose to put away bitterness, resentment, hate, malice and unforgiveness. We must bless those who curse us and pray for those who spitefully use us. Then the Joy of the Lord shall be yours forever more, and no man, no demon, not even the angels can take it away!

As you renew your mind and become a new creation in Christ Jesus, you will find yourself waking up in the morning with a smile on your face, go to work and actually be happy being there! You will be able to face the trials and temptations of this world and all the while knowing that Jesus is the lover of your soul! Amen!

You will be more than glad that you did and all the while be smiling - and mean it - all the way through this journey of life...