joy DAY 4

"Then it was said among the nations, 'The Lord has done great things for them. The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.'" Psalm 126:2-3

Joy can sustain you. Joy can keep you going when things are hard. Joy can make you smile when things are amazing. Joy can carry you through good times and hard times. When you see all the things the Lord has done for you, your heart should be overflowing with joy.

Joy does not mean the hard stuff goes away. Joy is not something we have to search for, but something we choose. This is true because joy starts with what we know to be true. Remember yesterday when we talked about how fear emphasizes things that aren’t true? Joy fights fear. When we are happy because everything is great in our lives that is fine, but isn’t that what everyone does? When we show joy no matter what is going on around us, this is different. This makes those around us look to see what makes us different. Psalm 16:11 says, "You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever."

The joy of God is ready...waiting for us to embrace it, walk in it, to truly live in the joy that God desires for us. Joy is not found in our great experiences or in the absence of them. Joy is found in God's presence. Joy is found in understanding that Jesus gave up everythingHe gave up his LIFE- so we could have life forever in heaven. This is what is TRUE. This is what helps us choose joy.

What truth can you celebrate this week? Where can you choose joy?

How can knowing what God has done for you help you find joy?

"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

Jesus, let us see all you have done for us. Let this fill our hearts with joy so that no matter what is going on around us, we can show our hope is in you alone. Amen.