The peace and joy I experience when I am in fellowship with the Lord are a tremendous blessing. I never take them for granted because they are like guard rails that keep me on the path of His righteous way.
His peace enables me to remain calm when I am facing adversity. Though trouble may surround me, I am prepared because I am trusting Him to take care of it.
The joy of the Lord is my strength and gives me the energy I need when He leads me to act. When I sense a negative drain trying to rob me of His joy, all I have to do is rejoice in His love and mercy.
By doing that I experience an inner flow of His power that sustains me and enables me to withstand fear and doubt.
The absence of peace and the joy of the Lord is a significant indicator that I am out of fellowship with Him. I pray for greater awareness to see more quickly when negativity is overtaking me and I am in a state of discontent.