These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11 (NKJV)
Your heart determines the boundaries of your life. In Proverbs 4:23, it says that we need to keep our hearts with all diligence, because out of our hearts spring the issues of life. “Issues” in this verse could also be translated as “boundaries.”
The words that you speak help to form these boundaries. If you keep saying that bad things always happen to you or that you somehow deserve what you’re going through, those words form beliefs that have negative consequences.
Often we struggle with this concept because we’ve been taught that God is in control of whether we are sick or well, wealthy or poor, alone or surrounded by great relationships. While God is in control of the overall plan for this planet, we are not marionettes on strings. The choices we make and the effects of living in a fallen world play their role, as do our beliefs and choices, which we have the power to change.
In reality, is there a boundary on how happy or at peace you can be? Today’s verse says that our joy can be full, but does it say that you can only be filled with joy if you somehow earn it or do everything perfectly? Or that there’s a boundary on how healthy you can be? No! God’s blessings are limitless!
Speaking God’s promises to change your heart beliefs is one of the most powerful things you can do to change your life. By meditating on and claiming God’s promises, your heart will begin to yield a harvest of happiness, joy, peace, and blessings.