Joy Comes in the MorningSample

“Joy, not grit, is the hallmark of holy obedience. We need to be light-hearted in what we do to avoid taking ourselves too seriously. It is a cheerful revolt against self and pride.” - Richard J. Foster

It is pretty offensive to our sinful nature, our “old man”, and our flesh, to live like a child full of wonder, awe, and joy. I mean, we have responsibilities and to-do lists and bills to pay, right? How could we be so light-hearted when life is so not sometimes?

I know for me the main reason I tend to get uptight, stressed out, and on edge is solely due to the fact that I am trying to live my life again, have my own way, and do it all by myself. It’s easy to forget and set aside the simple gospel of “deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow me” (Luke 9:23) but that is the only way to truly Live with a capital “L”. The reason He told us to deny ourselves is because it’s not safe to follow ourselves or our own wills. His will for your life is good and pleasing and perfect and trusting in Him will result in peace and joy and rest. Obedience to His will shouldn’t feel hard when we know Him. Obeying Christ results in joy.

Before I came to know Christ intimately, I called myself a Christian but had no joy or peace in my life and I was definitely disobedient. People might have described me as a positive, outgoing, and happy girl but my heart was full of regret, selfishness, and pride. I still remember when I met a joyful Christian for the first time and thought she was maybe faking it or just embellishing. Then I met Him for myself and I am now that weird girl who genuinely lives in joy, not because all my circumstances are perfect and all my dreams have come true, but because I obey and follow Jesus.

When we give up our lives and follow Him, we are no longer trying to control the outcome. We can sit back, enjoy His Presence, eat His Word, and allow Him to teach us how to remain joyful and thankful in all circumstances. Before moving on to the last day of this week’s devotional, I pray that you will sit in His Presence and meditate on His Word, allowing the Spirit of God to soften your heart to a life of Joy.