Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 4:5-8
Ps 4:5-8
Offer right sacrifices and put your trust in the Lord. There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!” You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
James 4:7-10
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
There are lots of things that bring us joy in life. It may be achievements in school, in sports, or in other areas of life. We find the right person, the one we want to share our life with forever and we are filled with joy. We feel joy when we get married, when we have children, when we have grandchildren, or maybe we are successful in our career. But none of this compares the joy we have in Jesus!
All of these things give us joy that is based on circumstances or feelings, and they are subject to change in a moments notice. The joy we have in Jesus is based on an absolute truth that cannot be taken away from us. As long as we trust him and live for him, we have the peace that surpasses comprehension in our hearts, and this gives us unspeakable joy. “Rejoice in the Lord always!”
Joy in Jesus is not just a feeling but a state of being. The early disciples and the apostles counted it joy to be worthy of suffering with Jesus when they were beaten for teaching in his name. They considered it joy to be able to help other believers who were suffering and those who faced drought or famine. When some were in need, those who owned land sold it and shared the proceeds with them. They knew that as fellow disciples, they were all in this Jesus thing together. This kind of commitment to Jesus and to each other brings a joy that cannot be stolen by any outside force. “Rejoice in the Lord always!
O Lord God, what a blessing to know that in Jesus my sins are forgiven and that I have a promise of eternal life. What a joy to know that I will be with Jesus and in your presence forever, time without end. What a joy to get up every day and to know that you will be with me and will give me what is best for me, just what I need to reach that eternal goal. Thank you for all the wonderful people you have put into my life to help me know you better and to encourage me along the way. Thank you for your love and your grace in Jesus. In his name I pray.
Robert
