Be Joyful

Is judgment escorted by joy? Yes, for the Lord’s earth and Jesus’s followers will walk hand in hand. Almighty God’s judgment is accompanied by the joy of His handiwork. Therefore, celebrate Christ’s coming. Celebrate His first coming for He has done marvelous things. His life was matchless in the application of pure virtue. His death was sacrificial in providing salvation for all who believe. His resurrection was electric in releasing eternal energy for all who are filled by His Holy Spirit.

There is an overflowing fountain of joy from His first coming. Celebrate also His second coming. He will judge everyone righteously and with equity. The judgment of Jesus is joyful, because it is righteous. You can rejoice because of the righteous judgment of God. Joyful surrender means you are ready for Christ’s coming. Indeed, Jesus’ mother, Mary, embraced this reality.

Mary understood joy at the first coming of Jesus. After the angel’s words that she was to become a mom and the mother of God, she exclaimed, “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my soul rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47). Becoming a mother filled her soul with joy. Baby Jesus was her joy. She could not keep quiet, for the coming of her Lord and her child was at hand. Joy resonated in the heavens and resounded throughout all the earth. It was Christ’s coming out party.

Joy was the outcome of His arrival. Mary was surprised by joy. Indeed, motherhood brings joy. Great pain is followed by even greater joy (John 16:21). Children, teens, and adult children may continue to cause pain, but don’t let them steal your joy. Make sure your security and significance is in Christ and not in your son or daughter. Your identity is in Christ. Your Savior defines your success. Make sure you go to Christ for a cup of joy. Drink often. The Lord’s joy is limitless.

Above all else, live your life in triumphant victory, not in dismal defeat. You are more than conquerors through Christ, through Him that loves you (Romans 8:37). The Lord’s great love is your life preserver. The joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). You serve a risen Savior who is in the world today. By God’s grace, your business or ministry will make payroll. Be patient and persevere in prayer for your prodigal child or friend. They may one day grow sick of sin.

Do not allow mistreatment or inequities to rob your joy. God will one day judge with equity. His days seem longer than ours, so be patient. Turn off the depressing songs of Satan. He is a joy killer. Reject His joyless tunes. Instead, tune in to your trustworthy Savior Jesus. Sing at the top of your lungs to the Lord. Sing the new song Christ has composed. His Holy Spirit harmonizes your life with joy and peace. So sing. Sing, for you are joyful for what He has done. Sing, for you are joyful for what He is doing. Sing, for you are joyful for what He will do. The coming judgment of Jesus brings joy to Jesus’s followers. Radically rejoice. Be joyful in Jesus.

Taken from reading #82 in the 90-day devotional book, Seeking God in the Psalms.

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