Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. Names that are certainly not synonymous with Joy! For those of you who are not familiar with the old dark classic fiction written in 1886, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde is the fiction story of Dr Jekyll, a kind, well-respected and intelligent scientist who meddles with the darker side of science, as he wants to bring out his 'second' nature.

One may read this dark classic and be repulsed and horrified by the frightening duplicity of human nature. But the wise Christian knows that this story has a direct correlation to our own lives as we seek to live joyfully for God.

Paul says it perfectly: “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing.

For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do—-Romans 7:18-19.

I have often half joked with my family, “The Moffitt family doesn’t need the devil’s help in sabotaging ourselves……We’ve got self sabotage covered!”

Although it’s said in jest, there is so much truth to it. We can be our own worst enemy.

Paul described it perfectly: “But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.” —Romans 7:23

When it comes to living joyfully for the Lord, there is a fight that takes place. Lines have to be drawn, choices have to be made, and feelings have to be tossed to the wayside. One of the biggest enemies of joy? Our feelings. As women our feelings can be all over the place. In one day our emotions can change so drastically that we may question our own sanity!:). But take heart as Paul shared: “I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.” —Romans 7:21. We are not insane! There is just a fight going on.

1. The wise Christian doesn’t wait for Joy to come. They bring the joy. Despite daily failures, fears, and feelings.

“Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say rejoice.”—-Philippians 4:4

……”for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”—-Philippians 4:11

1. The wise Christian knows that Joy has to be fought for. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every THOUGHT to the obedience of Christ;…..”——II Corinthians 10:5
   

1. The wise Christian is not naive to that fact that there is a “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”dwelling in all of us. Even Paul said: “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”—-Romans 7:24
   

I feel Paul’s words there! Where is the joy in THAT you say? Knowledge is power, my friend!

The Lord said it perfectly: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:….”—-Hosea 4:6

Your flesh is on a crash course to destroy your Joy. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you can start being proactive in controlling that part of your flesh.

Paul was keenly aware of this in Romans 7: 18-25. He knew exactly that his flesh would rob him of Joy. So Paul drew a line and made a choice: “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with JOY, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”——Acts 20:24

Get in the fight for Joy! Stop blaming the devil……he gets too much credit!

The Will of God for all of us is Joy!

“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full”.——-John 15:11