Two-minute read.
When I began writing this 60-day devotional on joy, life fell apart. Loss of loved ones and broken relationships overwhelmed me. At one point, I felt like I’d lost everything, but then God. In that moment, I turned to the Lord, and He met me in the pit. Through those dark days, the Lord taught me how His joy really does strengthen us. In our distress, He meets us and helps us find our way.
Psalm 126, written by an unknown author, celebrates the restoration of God’s people after exile. What once seemed impossible had happened. The Israelites’ lives changed so dramatically that it must have felt like a dream. The Psalm responds to their moment of victory, the newfound freedom they never thought they would experience.
Our heavenly Father does that; He moves quickly. What once seemed hopeless no longer has hope. Light dispels the darkness, and what seemed impossible becomes possible. When we recognize those moments, remembering what God has done will give us hope for what He will do, and joy takes root in our hearts.
God restored my hope in a moment. After seeking Him, praying and fasting, I felt it in my spirit. The Lord had answered, and the impossible became possible. I didn’t know how or when things would change, but I knew they would. My Maker restored my hope, lightened my soul, and gave me His divine joy.
Only when we ask, will we receive.
Over the last sixty days, I hope you’ve realized that God’s joy comes from Him. We can’t manufacture it. We can’t fake it. We can only walk in joy when we seek the Savior and ask Him for it.
Each day, start with Jesus. Spend time in His word. Chat with Him through prayer. And ask the Lord for His joy. God will give it to you. And you will discover the strength you receive from it.
God bless you, my friend. I leave you with His joy, that will carry you through.
Reflection:
What “great things” has God done in your life that you may have stopped noticing?
Joy Thought:
God gives you His joy when you seek Him.
