Why amost Saints Are Not Walking in the Joy of the Lord.... and how to fix it!

Gideons300

Our awakening is beginning. Prepare to be amazed.
Jun 26, 2015
1,697
1,275
74
Maryville, Tennessee
✟109,977.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
In a recent post in the Christian Advice forum, someone was struggling with laxk of joy and wanted to find out why. When I responded, I felt led to share my answer in hopes it might help others. This was my reply. I pray it blesses you.

Here is what the Lord has shown me about joy, or any of the fruits of the Spirit.

Our job is not to grow fruit. That is the job of the Holy Spirit. For instance, how does one become more patient? Is there anything we can do to become patient? Nope. It is the same with joy.

Does this mean we are powerless to walk in joy? Or patience, or in love? Absolutely not. We do have a part in our bearing fruit. We are fruitful when we abide in Him. The Word tells us that if we abide in Him and His word abides in us, we WILL bear much fruit. What an amazing promise!

But that presents a conundrum for us, doesn't it? How exactly do we abide in Him? This is where we as the modern church have failed in our teachings. We teach about forgiveness, about grace, about mercy, and yes, God freely gives us all those things. But those do not insure our abiding in Him. How do we abide in Him? By faith. what wars against our faith? Sin. Our faith is like a sail on a sailboat. The sail does not move the boat, the wind does the work, right? But until we unfurl our sail of faith to catch the wind we go nowhere.

We start out as new believers with our sails full of the oower of the wind of God, His Holy Spirit. But when we sin, it is like taking a knife and cutting a tear in our sail. Yes, we can be forgiven if we repent and turn from our sin,
but new sins keep happening, and soon our sail is flaccid, and our boat stops moving.

So what is the solution? Sin must go. But heck, that presents a far bigger problem for us, doesn't it? How can we stop sinning when we have fallen natures? It is impossible.... unless..... unless we no long possess fallen natures. Whoa.

In Romans 6, we are told that we.... our old us...... died when Christ died Paul tells us that when Christ rose from the dead, So DID we. We are new creatures! But if that is the case, and it most definitely is, why do we not walk as new creatures with sin under our feet? Why are we not walking as overcomers, victorious over the world, the flesh and the devil? The Word tells us we are, but practically, it is simply not working for us.

Why? That is the real question. Why are we not walking with all the fruits of the Spirit abounding in our lives, joy included? Why does sin and our carnal nature still control us if we are dead to sin and alive to God?

It is easy. The answer is ..... are you ready? ......

""According to your faith be it unto you."

Do you remember when God said "... but it did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it."? That principle holds true for us, right here, right now, today.

We are new creatures, brand new, with the power of sins both big and small broken over us. We have not only been forgiven but have been delivered from the POWER of darkness. But the question is..... do we believe it?

Paul tells us in Romans 8 to yield ourselves to God. Okay. We try, but we fail more often than not, That is not abiding. Thus joy is absent or at best, muted. And why? We have missed the next part of Paul's admonition. He tells us HOW we are to yield ourselves to our Heavenly Father. We are to yield ourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead! Unfortunately, we are like Lazarus. Raised from the dead, but still entangled in our grave clothes through unbelief.

This dilemma is not at all uncommon. It plagues most of our Christianity today. But God has shown me that even now, we are being awakened to who we are .... and who we no longer are! When we finally put on the whole armor of God He has provided.... brand new natures that not only do not want to sin, but also have the power to. stop yielding to temptation, to actually reign victorious over our old selfish natures, we will find that overcoming is our birthright, and that, praise God forevermore, joy will abound in our lives, along with all the other fruits of the Spirit.

The only question before us is..... will we truly believe our God?

Many blessings,

Gideon
 

hislegacy

Memories pre 2021
Supporter
Nov 15, 2006
43,649
13,930
Broken Arrow, OK
✟689,334.00
Country
United States
Faith
Charismatic
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
How many people have you come in contact with, how many churches have you visited, how many ministers have you spoken with before coming to the assumption that “most” saints are not walking a certain way?

In other words do you have anything to back up the claim?
 
Upvote 0

Gideons300

Our awakening is beginning. Prepare to be amazed.
Jun 26, 2015
1,697
1,275
74
Maryville, Tennessee
✟109,977.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
How many people have you come in contact with, how many churches have you visited, how many ministers have you spoken with before coming to the assumption that “most” saints are not walking a certain way?

In other words do you have anything to back up the claim?
I remember Leonard Ravenhill once stated "You never have to advertise a fire. It can be three in the morning and there will be a crowd to see it."

That is the way it is with joy. If you have it, it shows. Why do you think the world thinks little of Christianity? As a whole, we are going through the motions, content to fit Christianity into our lives, rather than seeking our Heavenly Father to fit our lives into His.

We are told that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Without it, we are prey for the enemy to cause us to walk defeated by sin, overcome by various temptations, and lukewarm towards the things of God.

God is even now awakening us to our sad state and opening our eyes to His promises to keep us from falling, and to fill us with fruits of the Spirit, but as long as we are satisfied with just enough of God to get by and get on with OUR lives, we will remain joyless, content with being forgiven but never seeing ourselves being changed into His likeness.

But when we cry out to Him to do whatever He has to do to make our surrender complete, and to make us desperately hungry for real, palpable victory over the world, the flesh and the devil, God has promised to hear our cries and to show Himself strong in us, and to fill us with His joy.

Blessings,

Gideon
 
Upvote 0

Gideons300

Our awakening is beginning. Prepare to be amazed.
Jun 26, 2015
1,697
1,275
74
Maryville, Tennessee
✟109,977.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
Are you able to answer my question please?
Brother, you have taken this tact before with my posts. Whether you want to admit it or not, the church, especially here in the west, is in lukewarm mode, content without godliness. Joy has, as the Bible foretold, withered from the hearts of men, and yet instead of falling on our knees crying out for the joy of our salvation to be restored to our hearts, we stonewall and plug our ears to any thing we deem a threat to our comfortable Christianity.

Do you believe most are running their race as if there is but one prize and they are determined to win it? I certainly do not and don't need to know every saint or every fellowship to state what should be obvious to all but sadly is not. Eyes to see, but do not see, just as it is written

Gids.
 
Upvote 0

hislegacy

Memories pre 2021
Supporter
Nov 15, 2006
43,649
13,930
Broken Arrow, OK
✟689,334.00
Country
United States
Faith
Charismatic
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
Brother, you have taken this tact before with my posts. Whether you want to admit it or not, the church, especially here in the west, is in lukewarm mode, content without godliness.

Based on what?

I find some, but they are becoming less and less. What are you basing such specifics on?

If a personal observation, then I submit it is probable flawed.

I can point to hundred of churches here in the west that are on fire and transforming their cities and other nations.

While I think you have the best intentions, I do not believe it is an accurate statement.

That is why I ask where you get your opinion from. And you still don’t answer. So I have to assume it is part of your view which seems quite narrow.

All I am asking for is links.... evidence that supports the assertion.
 
Upvote 0

Gideons300

Our awakening is beginning. Prepare to be amazed.
Jun 26, 2015
1,697
1,275
74
Maryville, Tennessee
✟109,977.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
Based on what?

I find some, but they are becoming less and less. What are you basing such specifics on?

If a personal observation, then I submit it is probable flawed.

I can point to hundred of churches here in the west that are on fire and transforming their cities and other nations.

While I think you have the best intentions, I do not believe it is an accurate statement.

That is why I ask where you get your opinion from. And you still don’t answer. So I have to assume it is part of your view which seems quite narrow.

All I am asking for is links.... evidence that supports the assertion.
Do you not want those trapped in a going through the motions Christianity to walk in real victory, real joy? Do you think I say these things to sling accusations at brothers and sisters in the Lord? If so, you are wrong. I share what I share because I care, and know there is a solution.

But until we can admit our problem, we are like those in Jesus's day who thought they did not need a doctor, and thus rob ourselves of hope for change. It seems we have come full circle.

Jesus came to set us free indeed. It is important we revisit His definition of what that freedom actually consisted of. The question is... will we?

blessings,

Gideon
 
Upvote 0

Gideons300

Our awakening is beginning. Prepare to be amazed.
Jun 26, 2015
1,697
1,275
74
Maryville, Tennessee
✟109,977.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
Why are you avoiding the question?
I am sorry you have a problem wirh my post. Would it not be easier to simply pass over it next time? Either way, have a nice day, brother. A joyful one! ☺️
 
Upvote 0

nonaeroterraqueous

Nonexistent Member
Aug 16, 2014
2,915
2,724
✟188,987.00
Country
United States
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
Married
Those who have found their way out of the valleys are usually the best at instructing others of the way out. Having been in one, myself, I know what it is like to be told that I felt that way because of a lack of faith, or because of sin in my life. In truth, I felt that way because I was actively pursuing God. Out of the forge comes something beautiful and strong, but one must take a beating to acquire that form. I have seen many people escape the fire and brag that they had gone through it, but there's a great difference between going through the fire and merely coming out of it. It is evident in their unfinished spiritual character.

Sometimes the happiest people are those who ought not to be. Ignorance is bliss, but it would be better to see the truth and be sad, because only in truth is there hope of betterment.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Lost4words
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Jermayn

Well-Known Member
May 22, 2019
931
491
Northwest Florida
✟105,988.00
Country
United States
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
How many people have you come in contact with, how many churches have you visited, how many ministers have you spoken with before coming to the assumption that “most” saints are not walking a certain way?

In other words do you have anything to back up the claim?


Church as we know it is over. Here's what's next

Thomas McDaniels: Churches should learn from Blockbuster – change with the times, or die

LGBTQ in the Church

Religious Acceptance of Homosexuals on the Rise
 
Upvote 0

Jermayn

Well-Known Member
May 22, 2019
931
491
Northwest Florida
✟105,988.00
Country
United States
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
In a recent post in the Christian Advice forum, someone was struggling with laxk of joy and wanted to find out why. When I responded, I felt led to share my answer in hopes it might help others. This was my reply. I pray it blesses you.

Here is what the Lord has shown me about joy, or any of the fruits of the Spirit.

Our job is not to grow fruit. That is the job of the Holy Spirit. For instance, how does one become more patient? Is there anything we can do to become patient? Nope. It is the same with joy.

Does this mean we are powerless to walk in joy? Or patience, or in love? Absolutely not. We do have a part in our bearing fruit. We are fruitful when we abide in Him. The Word tells us that if we abide in Him and His word abides in us, we WILL bear much fruit. What an amazing promise!

But that presents a conundrum for us, doesn't it? How exactly do we abide in Him? This is where we as the modern church have failed in our teachings. We teach about forgiveness, about grace, about mercy, and yes, God freely gives us all those things. But those do not insure our abiding in Him. How do we abide in Him? By faith. what wars against our faith? Sin. Our faith is like a sail on a sailboat. The sail does not move the boat, the wind does the work, right? But until we unfurl our sail of faith to catch the wind we go nowhere.

We start out as new believers with our sails full of the oower of the wind of God, His Holy Spirit. But when we sin, it is like taking a knife and cutting a tear in our sail. Yes, we can be forgiven if we repent and turn from our sin,
but new sins keep happening, and soon our sail is flaccid, and our boat stops moving.

So what is the solution? Sin must go. But heck, that presents a far bigger problem for us, doesn't it? How can we stop sinning when we have fallen natures? It is impossible.... unless..... unless we no long possess fallen natures. Whoa.

In Romans 6, we are told that we.... our old us...... died when Christ died Paul tells us that when Christ rose from the dead, So DID we. We are new creatures! But if that is the case, and it most definitely is, why do we not walk as new creatures with sin under our feet? Why are we not walking as overcomers, victorious over the world, the flesh and the devil? The Word tells us we are, but practically, it is simply not working for us.

Why? That is the real question. Why are we not walking with all the fruits of the Spirit abounding in our lives, joy included? Why does sin and our carnal nature still control us if we are dead to sin and alive to God?

It is easy. The answer is ..... are you ready? ......

""According to your faith be it unto you."

Do you remember when God said "... but it did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it."? That principle holds true for us, right here, right now, today.

We are new creatures, brand new, with the power of sins both big and small broken over us. We have not only been forgiven but have been delivered from the POWER of darkness. But the question is..... do we believe it?

Paul tells us in Romans 8 to yield ourselves to God. Okay. We try, but we fail more often than not, That is not abiding. Thus joy is absent or at best, muted. And why? We have missed the next part of Paul's admonition. He tells us HOW we are to yield ourselves to our Heavenly Father. We are to yield ourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead! Unfortunately, we are like Lazarus. Raised from the dead, but still entangled in our grave clothes through unbelief.

This dilemma is not at all uncommon. It plagues most of our Christianity today. But God has shown me that even now, we are being awakened to who we are .... and who we no longer are! When we finally put on the whole armor of God He has provided.... brand new natures that not only do not want to sin, but also have the power to. stop yielding to temptation, to actually reign victorious over our old selfish natures, we will find that overcoming is our birthright, and that, praise God forevermore, joy will abound in our lives, along with all the other fruits of the Spirit.

The only question before us is..... will we truly believe our God?

Many blessings,

Gideon

This is something God has been showing me recently. I say I have 80 years of life expectancy and then I'm going to live in Heaven with God forever, but whenever something in this life doesn't go my way, I get all sad panda and act like its the end of the world. I pray God opens our eyes and we fully come to the realization of what a great hope and future we have ahead of us as Christians! Great post Gideon!.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tigger45
Upvote 0

hislegacy

Memories pre 2021
Supporter
Nov 15, 2006
43,649
13,930
Broken Arrow, OK
✟689,334.00
Country
United States
Faith
Charismatic
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
I am sorry you have a problem wirh my post. Would it not be easier to simply pass over it next time? Either way, have a nice day, brother. A joyful one! ☺️

My heart is with and for you.

The church in the West has it's issues, some rising to the level of problems of the first century churches and in the days of the Apostles. Greed, lust, unrighteousness, sexual sins were an issue then and are still so today.

But also like the first century churches, the churches in the West are also reaching the world with the message of the Good News! Millions upon millions are active in discipleship, reaching their cities, states nation and other nations. I know this first hand after witnessing it personally for more than 32 years of traveling. I work two full times jobs - one in retail management and the other in traveling in the US and a number of nations training Pastors and church leaders.

I have had two close brothers in Christ martyred for their faith and commitment to Christ, I have close Brothers and sisters in Christ who have successfully founded more than 11,000 churches in Muslim countries. There are hundred upon hundreds of churches in the US transforming their neighborhoods and cities through reaching people.

People need to know that side of the equation also.

Jesus called us to be fishers of men - not cleaners of fish.

The church in the West is alive and thriving in many places.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Lost4words
Upvote 0

Alithis

Disciple of Jesus .
Nov 11, 2010
15,750
2,180
Mobile
✟94,492.00
Country
New Zealand
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Are you able to answer my question please?
You may need to reverse the question
Then your in the same boat...
For one thing gauge the users on here..
There is an overwhelming amount in numbers that consider it quite ok to sin ... God will forgive you ...
A total contradiction and denial and disobedience of the Good news of Jesus..
Gideon is quite correct in this generalized assesment...
And the lord JESUS also said " few" there be that find that hard narrow path..
 
Upvote 0

hislegacy

Memories pre 2021
Supporter
Nov 15, 2006
43,649
13,930
Broken Arrow, OK
✟689,334.00
Country
United States
Faith
Charismatic
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
You may need to reverse the question
Then your in the same boat...
For one thing gauge the users on here..
There is an overwhelming amount in numbers that consider it quite ok to sin ... God will forgive you ...
A total contradiction and denial and disobedience of the Good news of Jesus..
Gideon is quite correct in this generalized assesment...
And the lord JESUS also said " few" there be that find that hard narrow path..

I completely disagree.

I’m not gauging people on here. This forum is NOT a good representation of the Church in the West it is the reflection of a small microcosm.

Not unlike someone who claims to know everything about football, but has not stepped foot on the field, but played sometime long ago.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Alithis

Disciple of Jesus .
Nov 11, 2010
15,750
2,180
Mobile
✟94,492.00
Country
New Zealand
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
I completely disagree.

I’m not gauging people on here. This forum is NOT a good representation of the Church in the West it is the reflection of a small microcosm.

Not unlike someone who claims to know everything about football, but has not stepped foot on the field, but played sometime long ago.
Then pop down to your local sunday club of say 200 people....
You will find upon some insighful questioning.. " most" have more anxiety then Joy...
And what they have most sunday mornings is the circumstancial emotion from a good sing along
No different to a bunch of people in pub on st patricks day singing irish songs..
Both fade on the way home.

But hey, i think a lot of people ( and i do mean A lot) Do not understand the
" Joy of the lord" or they understand it in a linear internal self interested manner....
It is not an emotion WE have......
 
Upvote 0

hislegacy

Memories pre 2021
Supporter
Nov 15, 2006
43,649
13,930
Broken Arrow, OK
✟689,334.00
Country
United States
Faith
Charismatic
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
Then pop down to your local sunday club of say 200 people....

Didn’t read past this. Didn’t have to.

I understand, don’t agree, but understand your position.
 
Upvote 0

Gideons300

Our awakening is beginning. Prepare to be amazed.
Jun 26, 2015
1,697
1,275
74
Maryville, Tennessee
✟109,977.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
Didn’t read past this. Didn’t have to.

I understand, don’t agree, but understand your position.
It seems you are centered on my premise that most are not walking in the joy of their salvation, rather than the my position that for those are not seeing fruits of the Spirit manifested in their walks with God, that there is a real answer to change that situation.

Do you agree that continued sin sabotages ones ability to abide in Him, and because of that, joy has withered from the hearts of these saints?

Do you not think the more important question is how to fix that situation, no matter if it be few or many?

If you are one you speak of that is filled with joy and the other fruits of the Spirit, I rejoice with you. But surely, you must agree that many do not find themselves in this position.

And what do we offer them as counsel? Go to church? Read your Bible? Pray? Fast? We are living in times of peace, and multitudes who love the Lord can barely keep their heads above water. I am reminded of the scripture that asks us:

"If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, what will you do when the horsemen get here?"

Ominous clouds are already on the horizon, and the system we have called church is ill prepared for what is coming. It is time we admitted our perilous position and cried out to our Heavenly Father with ALL of our hearts to show us the path to fruitfulness and peace.... and how to possess joy in spite of what might be going on all around us.

Blessings,

Gids
 
Upvote 0

Alithis

Disciple of Jesus .
Nov 11, 2010
15,750
2,180
Mobile
✟94,492.00
Country
New Zealand
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Didn’t read past this. Didn’t have to.

I understand, don’t agree, but understand your position.
Not sure what it is your not agreeing with there bro..
This is one of the biggest deceptions out there.
That if you attend a church on sunday, generally behave ok that you are all ok your on your way to heaven .
In the meantime most aee in the pursuit if the things of this world
With thier mind on the things of this world
And without realizing it are opposing the Will of God..
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Alithis

Disciple of Jesus .
Nov 11, 2010
15,750
2,180
Mobile
✟94,492.00
Country
New Zealand
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
It seems you are centered on my premise that most are not walking in the joy of their salvation, rather than the my position that for those are not seeing fruits of the Spirit manifested in their walks with God, that there is a real answer to change that situation.

Do you agree that continued sin sabotages ones ability to abide in Him, and because of that, joy has withered from the hearts of these saints?

Do you not think the more important question is how to fix that situation, no matter if it be few or many?

If you are one you speak of that is filled with joy and the other fruits of the Spirit, I rejoice with you. But surely, you must agree that many do not find themselves in this position.

And what do we offer them as counsel? Go to church? Read your Bible? Pray? Fast? We are living in times of peace, and multitudes who love the Lord can barely keep their heads above water. I am reminded of the scripture that asks us:

"If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, what will you do when the horsemen get here?"

Ominous clouds are already on the horizon, and the system we have called church is ill prepared for what is coming. It is time we admitted our perilous position and cried out to our Heavenly Father with ALL of our hearts to show us the path to fruitfulness and peace.... and how to possess joy in spite of what might be going on all around us.

Blessings,

Gids
In short..it is not possible to have the joy of the lord while engaged in doing evil ..
 
Upvote 0