Living Open-Handed: Devotions for Surrendering Control and Finding Joy in the UnexpectedSample

Joy Always

You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. PSALM 4:7 ESV

True or false? Your circumstances do not dictate whether you can have joy. True. We all know that, but how many of us live in step with the truth that spiritual joy endures? I’ll speak for myself. When push comes to shove, I have to be reminded that no matter the storm around me, I can have ultimate joy because of Jesus. If everything has to be squared away to encounter the perfect joy of God, is that really joy? Or is that my illusion of control? Let me tell you something. Control loves to masquerade as things other than what it is.

You can have real joy even in a messy house, moms. You can have perfect joy even when that end-of-year bonus doesn’t come through. You can have true joy even when you get the diagnosis. Your joy doesn’t have to hide even when your baby comes ten weeks early. You can have perfect joy even after another rejection. You can have true joy even when you are unsure how the funds will add up. You can have true joy even when you feel misunderstood. You can trust that God’s joy is for you in every circumstance! These are all moments from my life that I had to exercise in faith to receive the true joy offered to me through faith in Jesus. And you know what? I encountered that true joy in all of them. I may not have started there, but through surrender of my circumstances, I always ended there. In a time when grain was necessary for every meal and wine was essential for every event, Scripture says, they have more joy in their hearts than when they receive what they need daily and more. And the good news is, He is right here, ready to fill your cup with heavenly joy. Are your hands open and willing to receive it?

Dear Lord, thank You for the innate joy You give us. It is beyond any outward happiness that could come from the “abundant harvests” of our lives. Please help me remember that! Amen.

Reflect: What circumstance or emotion prevents you from experiencing the joy God has for you today? If there is no hindrance, ask the Holy Spirit to come and fill you up with His joy.