MARCH 13 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-8
The Scripture says, "The joy of the Lord is my strength.” We followers of Jesus have a great opportunity, because of what the Lord has done for us, to spread joy in this world. There is no doubt that this world can use all the joy it can get right now. The joy of the Lord is something He places deep down inside us and it is meant to come out in us every day and in all situations. It can show itself in several ways, from a gentle smile to someone...to all out rejoicing...to the assurance that the Lord has all things under control. The world cannot know this kind of joy, not completely. It is a real mystery to them when they see it in a Christian, even when the Christian is going through some really difficult things. Our joy is not a denial of hard situations, difficult circumstances and real-life pain. Our joy is a God-given gift that brings assurance to us that in all things God will take care of us and that any difficulties and even loss cannot compare to what God has eternally promised us in Christ Jesus.
In this life we cannot always chose what happens to us, but we can choose who we are going to trust and rely on. There are not always clear answers when things happen that cause great pain and loss, but there is the promise of God that in all things He will never leave us. That brings real joy, everlasting joy. We are told in the Scripture, “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Sadly, some have turned this into a prosperity verse and actually cheapened the wonderful promise of God. Our God has promised through His Son to supply all our needs, even those that money can’t buy. One of those wonderful gifts that He supplies to us is His joy. Our joy, if it is real joy, comes from the Lord. It's not our joy about the Lord that is our strength. It’s not our joy that we are determined to have in every situation that is our strength. It is THE JOY OF THE LORD that give us our strength!
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