Day 20: The Joy of the Lord
“Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the Lord had given them cause to rejoice…” (v. 27)
One of my acquaintances has a naturally joyful disposition. She is someone who smiles easily, laughs often, and exudes a special sort of ease and lightness. You can’t help but notice her and be positively influenced by her charisma. Guess what? Even her middle name is Joy!
Have you met someone like her?
Thinking of her reminds me that I want abundant joy in my life. How can I become a more joyful person?
Joy is cultivated by the Spirit.
We can’t will ourselves to produce joy or imitate it. Developing the fruit of the Spirit is a lifelong process. It takes time. The more we allow God to prune and shape us (which hurts), the more fruit will be produced.
Our external circumstances can’t steal our internal joy.
We can choose to rejoice whether we are healthy or sick, rich or poor, popular or rejected. Apostle Paul encourages us to “rejoice in the Lord always.” Did you know that he wrote to the Philippians from jail? No matter our life’s circumstances, we can find reasons to rejoice.
God is always worthy of our praise.
Good News alert: God saved you. He sent his Spirit to indwell you. You belong to him. You will never be apart from his presence. Heaven is your eternal home. Hallelujah!
Scripture reading: Psalm 100
Today’s encouragement: Play your favorite hymn or praise song and spend a few minutes in focused worship.
Prayer: God, you are good and worthy of praise!