Day 3

Joy

Who doesn’t love a good dose of joy every day? We all tend to gravitate toward the people, moments, words and expressions that lift our spirits and make us laugh a little in life! Good news brings joy and life to the heart.

But joy isn’t limited to good times and good things. The Holy Spirit is capable of producing great joy in our lives even in the midst of some of the most difficult circumstances.

The Greek meaning of joy is gladness, delight, contentment derived from confidence and assurance. Think through each expression of the definition of joy, particularly - contentment derived from confidence and assurance. The story of Naomi and Ruth captures the very essence of this joy. Ruth’s commitment and loyalty to Naomi is a beautiful expression of trust in God and peace in a time of severe trial and poverty. Ruth carries herself with such contentment and assurance, stepping out in faith and doing what must be done to help provide for herself and Naomi.

The result is the unfolding of a beautiful story of redemption. This is true over our lives as well. Through faith, we step out in full assurance and belief in a faithful God who has already done it all. We believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that He is Lord. In that confession of faith and trust in Jesus, we are saved, redeemed, restored, set free. There is no greater joy than this!

Today, out of the overflow of joy that you know, and despite circumstances you may be standing in, look for ways to be intentional in your relationships through how you give generously from your own life, that others might see Jesus and know Him better.