“A joyful heart is able to take itself less seriously and the Lord more seriously.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 3, 2024
But the fruit of the Spirit is joy. Galatians 5:22a
Joy is the juice that flows from the fruit of the Spirit. It is tasty, delightful and delicious. Joy from Jesus gives strength for the journey, endurance to obey and enjoyment to relationships. It offers hope for the future, optimism in the present and it reflects on pleasant memories from the past. Spirit-filled joy is a faith-filled attitude that is contagious. It converts frowns to smiles, cranks to encouragers and inertia to energy.
Joy fuels our faith and allows us to fuel the faith of others. It lights up a room with its genuine gladness and delights in hearing another’s heart. Indeed, our countenance stays soft and kind when joy, like emotional lotion, has been applied to our face by the Spirit. Just as sunblock protects us from overexposure to harmful rays of light, so joy shields our soul from the lies of defeat and depression. Joy in Jesus generates gladness.
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs” (Psalm 100:2).
We worship the Lord with gladness when we reflect on the gift of His son Jesus. How can we not explode with joy when we celebrate our eternal salvation in Christ? Praise to God releases our soul to lift up and proclaim joyful songs to our Great Shepherd, our Great Savior, and our Great Spirit—the Godhead, three in one. Gladness in God can’t help but give Him glory. We are recipients of blessings that transcend our temporary trials.
Therefore, be a joy giver—not a joy killer. Joy givers smile—joy killers scowl. Joy givers build up—joy killers tear down. Joy givers laugh out loud—joy killers sneer inside. Joy givers see opportunities—joy killers see obstacles. Thus, be an agent of joy on behalf of Jesus. Perhaps you take yourself less seriously and the Lord more seriously. Laugh at yourself, sing in the Spirit, and extend encouragement. A smiling soul molds the mouth.
“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9).
Prayer
Lord, fill me with your joy, which surpasses all circumstances. Help me to find my delight in you alone, regardless of my situation. May your joy be my strength, enabling me to face trials with confidence and to spread your love in a world in need. Amen.
Application
Where is the Lord leading you to be joyfully obedient?
Related Reading
Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 19:8; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2:19; Philemon 1:7
Worship Resource
CeCe Winans: Come Jesus Come
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