The real thief of joy.

Have you ever told someone the truth and they thought you were lying? They just could not believe what you were saying. Now, you are sitting there dumbfounded, thinking of all the ways to PROVE that you are not lying.

Well friends, our God of Truth, who cannot lie, is pouring out love every second, placing compassion, words of wisdom and instruction on our hearts, but because of our own misconceptions, any stoniness in our hearts, or our own inner wounds, we cannot receive Him as the Truth. I believe this is one way the Holy Spirit can be grieved. When we do not take Him at His Word.

God is not a man, so he does not lie.
He is not human, so he does not change his mind.
Has he ever spoken and failed to act?
Has he ever promised and not carried it through?

Numbers 23:19

Unbelief is what can stop miracles from happening in our lives. Jesus sometimes asked those who were inquiring Him of healing if they believed, because when we do not believe in the Word of God, we discredit Him for Who He is.

“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied,

“how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.”

Matthew 17:17

The Lord is the only One who wants to, and will do so much with your life. He is pleased by your faith in Him. Our Heavenly Father wants us to trust in Him, because that is where we grow from just being in Christ to learning how to walk as children of God. Where we see Him as a loving Father, a friend that sticks closer than a brother, a God who wants to do no harm, and the one whose plans go beyond what our eyes and ears can see and hear.

My prayer is that we all grow to be perfected in faith. Unbelief and its evil twin doubt cannot stand in a place where we are proclaiming that we want to see His glory. Because even if we did, we may discredit it. We may not even perceive it, because of unbelief.

I started out saying that unbelief is the thief of joy because the gift of an abundant life from God is filled with joy. When we don’t believe in the abundance, in the blessings, healing, restoration that God promises us, joy is then replaced with doubt, anxiety and worry about tomorrow, instead of faith in the One who is holding your tomorrow.

Cry unto God like the father of the boy whose son was tormented

The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Mark 9:24 NLT

Trust God. Believe His Word. And Watch Him Move Mountains for you.