Appreciation, Blessings, Happiness and Joy in the Lord overcomes ..

In an art class, the instructor stated we could draw whatever
we wanted. The supplies list was passed out and an overview
of the class was given of what each student could expect. The
instructor stated we could also discuss any topic of interest as
we sketched our projects. All was going well until she stated
one exception. She didn’t want to hear about how happy
anyone was. I laughed, assuming it was a joke, but it wasn’t.
Given the tone in which she continued to speak and how she
then drew a sad face on the board in great detail, though
artfully concealed in a joke, it was far from it. It quickly became
quite clear that she was actually drawing from her own
sadness. What made this so frightening is that she was
dressed appropriately, wore a smile and displayed an upbeat
personality, yet extremely unhappy within herself and resented
the idea that someone else could possibly be happy in spirit. I
was so unsettled by this along with other statements made,
that unfortunately, I did not return to finish the course.

Unfortunately the story does not end there, but continued a
few days later on the job. This time it’s a co-worker. He asked
the usual question “How are you this morning?” With great
enthusiasm I responded that I was doing very well. I almost
started to explain how happy I was with the things God was
doing in my life when he sarcastically remarked, “So what are
you so happy about?” At that moment, I froze. Both the co-
worker and the instructor had the identical spirit. Neither knew
one another. It was no coincidence. From that day until the
next, the spirit of the adversary continued to try and dampen
my spirit of joy. I had to constantly remind myself that there
are many people with a type of spirit like that of a scarecrow,
driving people away instead of drawing them, and they are
everywhere.

When God blesses, be also prepared that everyone may
not feel the same level of joy, excitement or appreciation as
you. Some of those closest to you may not rejoice with you,
but will instead resent it, and let you know it by their actions.
However, like the sad face drawing, it’s really not you. The
dissatisfaction comes from within themselves for their own lack
of progress, whether it is spiritually or naturally.

Always remember,

God’s blessings are made available to all who will ask
and seek for them.
He looks favorably to those who maintain a joyful and
appreciative spirit.
Don’t let anyone quench or suppress your spirit.
Allow no one to scare or drive you away from God.

A joyful and appreciative spirit cultivates a harvest of blessings
and favor from the Lord.

Scripture Reference:

1 Corinthians 10 verse 26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the
fulness thereof.

Matthew 7 verse 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he
that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

1 Thessalonians 5 verses 18-19

18. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in

Christ

Jesus concerning you.

19. Quench not the Spirit.

Psalms 146 verse 5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for
his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God:

Proverbs 3 verse 13 & 18

13. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that

getteth understanding.

18. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and

happy

is every one that retaineth her.

Matthew 23 verse 13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees,
hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for
ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are
entering to go in.