Your Strength

As many of you know, the Old Testament leader Nehemiah made an interesting statement about joy. He told the Jewish people who had returned to rebuild Jerusalem that the "joy of the Lord is your strength." Or in other words, "you flex your spiritual muscles by being joyous." Now, can I ask you a question? Thanks, I knew you wouldn't mind. If a Christian's spiritual strength is directly related to his joy, what is the first thing the devil will try to undermine? Not too difficult to figure out that one, is it?
He's really not too particular about how he does it either. He can use small irritations just as effectively as large ones. Maybe more so. He'll use anything that can start the dreaded "murmurings." And did you ever notice how difficult it is to stop complaining once you start? It can ruin the whole day. It can ruin your testimony as well. Beyond a doubt it will sap your spiritual strength.
How do you cope? Concentrate on the "things of good report"--on "the things worthy of praise." A joyous, thankful heart is the key to spiritual power and victory. Don't let the devil undermine your spiritual growth today. Rejoice, do good, cast all your cares on the one who who can handle them, all of them, all at once. And wants to! Rejoice. Smile. Flex those spiritual muscles and knock the devil's lights out. Let him have the bad day. (Your friends will be grateful too.)