Freely Speaking Audio Devotion

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

Today, we are blessed to hear Angela Vandagriff's thoughts on joy.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NKJV).

Like many, I have experienced a lack of joy in my life. As a child, one song always made me smile, filling my heart with happiness: “I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart.” Sadly, as life happened, joy faded. I found myself searching in all the wrong places to fill the emptiness.

I'm writing from the middle of a hard season, feeling discouraged. With my family facing a challenging situation, the possibility of a devastating outcome heightens my fear. Life, again, is strangling joy out of me, and I can quickly lose sight of where I find joy if I am not careful.

Knowing joy comes from God releases me from the temptation to search in a broken world for temporary sources of joy that will fade away. When I fix my gaze on God more than the world, I can obtain joy and peace amid chaos and crisis.

Let's be honest: it's easy to focus on pain during a struggle, but this takes our focus off God. We need to be intentional about where we allow our hearts to gaze. Some days, it is a constant battle, minute by minute, to stop and refocus. Yet changing our focal point can change the trajectory of our life.

The joy that sustains and produces peace within us is not of this world; it comes only from the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, joy is temporary. In the presence of God, we are promised fullness of joy (Psalms 16:11 KJV). Even in the darkest times, when all seems hopeless, we find comfort in knowing God’s love for us is never-ending. By anchoring ourselves in His Word, we remain connected to God, a trustworthy source of joy.

Friend, consider today where your heart is gazing. Let the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace by the power of the Holy Spirit. You will become an empowered woman who can withstand every dark strategy formed against you. Choose your focal point every morning and allow the Holy Spirit to anchor you to the God of joy and peace.

Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com/