Memory Verse:
Always
be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Philippians 4:4
This verse is
a really short one…but it provides us with some great direction and a healthy
reminder. Joy. It is the key to a content, happy, and Christ centered life. Look
at the verse in context…
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let
everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is
coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell
God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience
God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard
your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
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| Choose Joy...like an overflowing fountain. Be full of joy in the Lord. Fountain at Duncan Gardens. Spokane, Washington |
Personally, I
claim that promise that I will experience
God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. Peace is one element of the fruit of the
Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Another part of that fruit is joy. I think that
we can choose to be full of joy in the
Lord…to rejoice...or we can choose
to isolate ourselves in darkness, be grumpy and be sad. God allows us freedom
of choice. Choose wisely. Some Old Testament wisdom about being joyful…
The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but
the light of the wicked will be snuffed out. Proverbs 13:9
Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the
instructions of the LORD. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him
with all their hearts. Psalm 119:1-2
Jesus is the
light of the world.
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said,
"I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in
darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12
I close this
devotional today with these last words just as Paul wrote… Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and
peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11.
Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Even though the fig trees have
no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop
fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the
fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in You, LORD! I will
be joyful in the God of my salvation! You, Sovereign LORD, are my strength! You
make me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. Habakkuk
3:17-19. I seek You and Your peace and joy in my life.
Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 23-25
© 2019 Text and
photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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