Joy, Real Joy

Devotional

On life's journey, there are many circumstances that bring both joy and sorrow: the birth of a new baby or the passing of a loved one rank high on the list. Regardless of the circumstances, there is pure joy to be found.

You will show me the path of life. In Your presence, there is fullness of joy... at Your right hand pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 10:11)

Joy, real joy.  It is what sustains us in our trials and tribulations, and on the race that is set before us. As we trust in God’s word and yield to the Spirit, we'll have that joy unspeakable. In the Bible, joy is fruit of the Spirit along with love, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against which there is no law. (Galatians 5:22). Any one who desires to possess these virtues must be willing to be pruned of God, since it is the Holy Spirit that produces the fruit and not we ourselves.

As we surrender our lives and let God take over the reins of our heart, our souls will delight in the abundance of His rivers of joy! In the midst of wars and rumors of wars, we will have joy; when all the news being reported is bad news, we’ll have joy, for we know there is good news. When nations are trembling for fear of the things coming upon the face of the earth, we’ll have joy; when the love of many wax cold, we’ll have joy; when betrayed by kinsfolk, we’ll have joy. In persecutions of various sorts, we’ll have joy; when our good is evil spoken of, we’ll have joy. Knowing that our names are written in the Book of Life of the Lamb, we'll have joy!

Scripture Meditation

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord 
is your strength
(Nehemiah 8:10)

May the God of hope, 

fill you with all joy and peace

as you trust in Him, 

so that you may overflow 

with hope by the power

of the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 15:13)

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, and not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. but none of these things move me, or do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:22-24) 

A Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the victory which is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord. Holy Spirit, our Helper, strengthen us in the inner man and cause the joy of the Lord to overflow in our lives. Amen.

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