Grow in Joy reminds us that regardless of what is happening around us, joy is our birthright through the anointing of Christ that resides within us, so may we focus on and press into that joy and watch it blossom and expand.
- Isaiah 10:27 (KJV) …the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.
- Philippians 3:14 (TPT) I run straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory-prize through the anointing of Jesus.
- Psalm 23:5 (KJV) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
- John 2:27 (NKJV) But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you…
A Prophetic Nugget from “Daily Downloads from Heaven” by Meghan Williams is connected to this. It’s called “Recharge in My Presence.”
Acts 3:19 (VOICE) So now you need to rethink everything and turn to God so your sins will be forgiven and a new day can dawn, days of refreshing times flowing from the Lord.
Beloved, take the time to recharge in My presence. You are called to usher in My presence wherever you go, changing the atmosphere around you and reflecting the glory that is Me. You cannot do that effectively if you are wiped out, exhausted, and spiritually dry. Do not run out of oil, beloved, for the oil of My Spirit brings healing and restoration – it is vital to bring life. Keep your oil full, your lamp prepared, and your light shining brightly.
Refresh with Me. Recharge with Me. Let Me refill you, restore and renew you. Rest in Me and let Me have My way in your heart, beloved, for My touch is gentle and My love for you knows no bounds.
Matthew 25:4 (GW) The wise bridesmaids, however, took along extra oil for their lamps.
A Meditation of the Word called “In His Image” from Elisa Eaton of Waiting in the Wings is connected to this.
Genesis 1:27 (NKJV) So God created man in His [own] image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
In the opening of Genesis, we are told that humanity has been made in the image or shadow of God—in Hebrew, tselem (Strong’s H6754). Something that I have frequently meditated on is what this term tselem means. This meditation most often happens when I’m going through trials and tribulations. During these times when my soul is grieved, and I’m searching for the righteous path through the chaos of life, I will hear my Heavenly Father’s still small voice saying, “Come back into My shadow.” I‘ve come to understand that He means this is several ways.
Firstly, He is reminding me that it is only under His shade—tsêl (Strong’s 6738)—that we have any hope of finding real comfort and peace. Sometimes if we are not careful, life’s difficulties can chase us out of our hiding place in God instead of remaining in Him. Nothing in the world can refresh and sustain us better than our Source. In the heat of trials, when I pause to listen for His voice, I can tell that I have unintentionally moved out of His shadow. It is like standing outside on an incredibly hot day and completely avoiding the shade of a nearby tree. While the shade doesn’t compare to air conditioning, I would be a fool not to abide there when left with no other choice. Plus, there is sweet fruit from the tree that revives and sustains me.
Secondly, I know that by calling me to come back into His shadow, the Father is also referring to His image. One can say that, during troubles, we are tempted to lose our mind—or lose the mind of Christ. We can quickly forget who we are and the vows we have made to His covenant. Trials always require a response from us, but what will our response be? Will we let the trials disconnect us from our Source, leaving us with only the resources of our flesh? Or will we continue to abide and bear the fruits of the Spirit while under pressure—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control? We have a choice in difficulties even when we may feel like we don’t.
When trials come—and as our Savior told us, they certain will come—they become an opportunity for God to build His character into us. The more we yield to the process and are mindful of the point of the difficulties, the more we will have access to the life-giving flow of the Holy Spirit. And the more of God’s Spirit that we are able to receive, the more we are able to accurately hear His voice and reflect His image in the earth—in both good times and bad.
Galatians 5:22-24 (TPT) But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.
The “JOY” card from D4Yart Deck 2 is connected to this. The card is based on the “Irrepressible Joy” Dyed4you Art piece, and it reads, “Joy is a choice. Unlike happiness which is dependent on circumstance, joy is something that transcends human experience and is rather an intentional choice of outlook. Refuse to allow anyone or anything to steal your joy – it is rightfully yours and yours to keep. Allow joy to overflow from you, and bolster and encourage those around you.”
A Word called “Resting Place” from Elisa Eaton of Waiting in the Wings is connected to this.
Hebrews 4:1 (TPT) Now God has offered to us the same promise of entering into his realm of resting in confident faith. So we must be extremely careful to ensure that we all embrace the fullness of that promise and not fail to experience it.
Beloved, let Me be your resting place. No longer need you be weary and heavy laden, working for that which has already been purchased for you. Instead, come to Me and learn how to be at home in My Spirit. For I have created you that you might abide in Me and I in you. Just as an earthly husband and wife find a mutual sense of belonging and security with one another, so you too can find an even deeper level of belonging and security in your union with Me.
Resist the urge to try to earn your way into My presence, for your place in Me has already been assured. Cease from striving, and instead learn how to just be in Me. While works through the law once had its place and served a purpose in the plan of redemption, remember that righteousness by My Spirit has now come to bring about perfection. Therefore, partner with Me by simply letting go. Allow My Spirit to strengthen, empower, and undergird you. Let My wisdom, counsel, knowledge, and understanding be as your own. No longer need you rely on your own resources anymore; I Am your life, and I desire you to have that life in full abundance.
Just as the dove was sent from the ark to find a resting place, know that the dove of My Spirit will alight and remain upon you when you are in a place of rest in your soul. Trust Me and trust the anointing that abides within you. Know that you are no longer alone and wandering in this world. The light of My presence is always with you, and indeed, it is here to bring you into your rest.
Exodus 33:14 (NKJV) And He said, “My Presence will go [with you], and I will give you rest.”
A final Prophetic Nugget from “Daily Downloads from Heaven” by Meghan Williams is connected to this. It’s called “Replace Worry with Prayer and Thanksgiving.”
Philippians 4:6 (NLT) Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Beloved, I AM in control. You don’t need to fret or worry. Release any fear and rest in your trust of Me. Allow My love to draw you back, deeper into Me, and My peace to quiet your soul, while you press in for more of Me.
Keep turning your heart and mind back to Me as the cares of the world seek to distract your gaze. Only My love satisfies. Only My peace brings true rest. So with your mouth declare My goodness, and with your words share the things on your heart, and trust Me – the lover of your soul – to see to each need and concern. Cast your cares on Me and let your heart overflow with gratitude and thanksgiving fall from your lips without end.
The “INVIGORATE” card from D4Yart Deck 2 is connected to this. The card is based on the “Dance with the Wind” Dyed4you Art piece, and it reads, “Take the time to play and allow Spirit to invigorate you – refreshing, revelation, and joy are yours for the taking. Like a sudden break in the clouds as rays of light burst through, may you see things that were previously masked, dimmed, or hidden. May you be invigorated and may you feel an unburdened lightness in your soul.”
{artist note} As I sought the Lord about this piece, the first thing I heard was “tulip.” Then I saw yellow and immediately heard “joy.” What’s interesting is that generally tulips are considered the symbol of “perfect love” – not just love, but perfect love. One can’t help but think of 1 John 4:18’s “perfect love casts out all fear” when those words are shared together. And in the context of this piece, I think that ties back to releasing all worry and fear, and simply allowing love (and by extension joy) to become the focus. In essence to grow in joy.
The name of the silk hidden in this image is Joy of the Anointing. The colors in it are soft gold representing oil of anointing, golden yellow representing anointing and light, khaki representing fresh oil, pale pink representing God’s abiding presence, white representing pure-hearted, pearl representing pure download, bronze representing the beauty of the Lord, and gold shimmer representing authority.
Father, may we be overtaken by Your perfect love, may we be refreshed in Your presence, and may we cast all our cares on You. We look to You. Keep our focus on Your love, and allow ourselves to not just grow but flourish in joy.
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