By Sherma-Jacqueline Felix
If you’ve been saved for more than 5 minutes, you probably already know that this isn’t for wimps. If you know that, then you know that we’ve also been given the equipment we need to be strong and to live victoriously. One such piece of equipment that is available to us is Joy ~ specifically, the Joy of the Lord.
As I was praying aloud one day these words flew up out of my spirit, “My Joy is full.” I was surprised when I heard it, but I knew it was the Spirit of God speaking. I slowly began to repeat it over and over, as I prayed, “My Joy is full.” The more I said it, the weightier it felt, and the more I could sense the beginnings of what turned out to be a major change in me.
Nothing, as far as I could tell, had happened physically to me in the natural realm. Oh, but in the Spirit realm a lot was taking place! Suddenly I could understand what the Bible meant in Hebrews 12:2, speaking of Jesus, “Who for the Joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame.” And as I continued to repeat the phrase, “My Joy is full,” it was as if I could see in my mind’s eye, into the spirit realm, where Jesus in Hebrews 12:2 chose to make Himself focus on the Joy that was set before Him, rather than choosing to focus on the suffering He was to endure on Calvary’s cross.
Focusing on Joy caused Jesus to see things in a different light. It also did the same for me. As I focused on that phrase in prayer, “My Joy is full,” I was reminded that if I ask, I will receive, and my Joy will become full! (John 16:24)
I also thought of 1 Peter 1:8, that says that Jesus’ Joy is unspeakable and full of glory. Whenever we become focused on His Joy, rather than the crazy things that are going on in our lives, it brings us to a place of peace, where we have no words to describe the Joy we sense and feel on the inside! But this happens by faith as we believe, and as we do our utmost to turn our gaze away from the events of our lives, and focus directly on the Joy of Jesus. His glory is in His Joy. His Joy is full of His glory!
As much as I have always enjoyed prayer, I enjoy it even more now, because my prayer is coming from a place of Joy. I refuse to even open my mouth to begin to pray, until I know that I am centered in a place where His Joy completely surrounds me. I see it in my mind. His Joy, my strength, is what enables me to pray in faith and believe that what I pray for I will receive! Whenever I feel the pull of my flesh to leave the place of prayer, to take a phone call, send a text, or scroll through social media, I again bring my thoughts directly back to His Joy, and I remain focused on it.
When I do that, my prayers are much more of a delight! And when our prayers are delightful it makes our hearts happy. Have you ever walked out of a time of prayer feeling like you’ve accomplished nothing, the heavens were closed up, and God was listening to everyone else’s prayer but yours? Well, I have. That’s because there was no Joy included in my prayer time. There was nothing there to give me the strength I needed to hold on and press, during prayer.
Most answers to our prayers don’t come overnight. We’re going to need God’s strength to hold on to, as we continue to believe God until our answers materialize. That needed strength is in the Joy of the Lord, and receiving Joy, comes like everything else in our spiritual walk ~ by faith. So, what does faith do? Faith speaks. God spoke His faith when He said, “Let there be light.” (Genesis 1:3) Light didn’t have a choice but to show up. Jesus also spoke His faith when He said to Jairus, “Fear not only believe,” and Jairus’ daughter was healed at that very moment.
What will your faith say as you’re praying? My faith will declare, “My Joy is full,” and I’ll continue on in prayer, receive His strength through His Joy, and press on until my answers come! I dare you to try it ~ say it with me, “My Joy is full!”
About the author: 
Sherma-Jacqueline is a Bible Teacher, Conference Speaker, Mentor, and Passionate Writer. She has always enjoyed writing, and started off by keeping a diary in her teens. She began prayer journaling over 18 years ago and began teaching on Prayer 12 years ago. Her desire is to see the women of God rise up and be all that they’re called to be: Bold, Strong, Courageous and overflowing with His Word!
Visit her at: shermajacqueline.tumblr.com