LOVE Week 7-Day DevotionalSample

Authentic Joy

We all have things in our life that spark a true feeling of happiness. Maybe for you it’s driving with the windows down while your favorite song blasts through the speakers on a hot summer day. Or maybe it’s hiking through a lush forest when the leaves start changing colors. Or perhaps it’s spending time with a friend and laughing until your cheeks hurt. 

Happy moments are great, but true joy stretches even beyond this level of happiness. Happiness depends on our situation and feelings, but joy is something you can have despite the circumstances you may face. Happy moments may not come every single day, but you can have joy daily because of the everlasting hope Christ gives you. He has created you in His image and you can come to Him with every need because He already knows what you need. You can trust Him. He has good plans for you, and because of this truth, you can have an authentic joy!  

Today, focus on the hope that comes from knowing God and His presence. As you serve, remind yourself that each moment of your life is a gift, and God wants you to experience His joy through it all.

Heavenly Father, joy is a gift You offer us every day. I pray that I can trust You today and let You be the source of my joy. I pray that it can overflow to others around me so they can experience the same joy and hope that only comes from You. Amen.