Joy Gives Strength in Times of Loss
Joy is not only a fruit of the Spirit, joy is also a specific anointing to strengthen us in times of loss and mourning. 
Excerpt from book yet to be published "How to Fast Grumbling - 40 Days of Gratitude" by Ruth Webb
Loss is something we all experience at sometime, it is a part of life. Loss of health, a loved one, relationships, job, finances, and often linked with hopes and dreams. Loss is painful, and grief and sorrow are the natural consequences.
Yet we can mourn in a godly or ungodly way. Godly mourning is to continue trusting God—even with thanksgiving. Even when loss is confusing, we can trust God. (As per this 40 days of gratitude) Even in the valley of the shadow of death, we are assured of His protection from evil because He is with us. It maybe a foggy valley, but we can trust He is there and will bring us safely through. The Spirit of God releases His anointing oil to give us joy even in the midst of mourning. Joy is a special anointing filled with balm, shalom and healing.
Yet the enemy seeks to exploit us in times of loss. The devil tempts us to mourn in ungodly ways, to focus on the loss instead of the giver of life. The devil tempts us to grumble, complain and wallow in self-pity, and then subjects us to demonic torment and further trauma.
Without the Lord’s oil of joy, mourning and grief weakens us and increases ageing and illness! (Psalm 31:9 TPT) That is why we are encouraged to“… not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
Joy comes as we gaze upon Yeshua and are united with Him. Joy lifts shame from our countenance and removes mourning. (Psalm 34:5 TPT)
“Turn our eyes on Yeshua and the things of earth grow strangely dim.”
Joy is not dependant on “happy” circumstances. Happiness is dependant on happenings. Joy comes from the Spirit of God who is not influenced by our happenings. Joy is like an internal spring that bubbles up regardless of events on earth. Gratitude, praise and joy are indelibly linked. When gratitude comes from our heart—joy will bubble up.
Choose to gaze upon Yeshua today. Choose joy to be your strength today! Meditate and pray on these Scriptures as you begin to give thanks.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…to give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness…” (Isaiah 61;1-3)
“Therefore with joy you will draw water From the wells of salvation.” (Isaiah 12:3) “…Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
“But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You.” (Psalm 5:11)
“And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.” (Psalm 27:6)
“In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
Prayer
Righteous heavenly Father, Papa, You are the giver of joy.
I thank you for Your joy which comes from Your Spirit as a fresh anointing today. I thank You for this anointing to strengthen my soul it is a balm and healing for my losses. As I gaze on You, my loss comes into perspective. I align my heart with Your throne. I surrender all confusion and thank you for Your joy to help me through.
If loss is weakening you now or has weakened you in the past. Lift the situation to Him and thank Him for His joy to heal and strengthen your soul (thoughts, emotions, choices). Repent for the times you allowed the enemy to exploit your loss. Now praise Him. He is Lord of time and space. There is no loss (past or present) that is beyond His power or creativity.
Continue to speak to Him from your heart.
Give Him thanks for the way His creative power is penetrating your circumstances. Turn the Scriptures above into a personal prayer of thanks.