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Choosing Joy
Choosing to live with joy is a continuous choice. We may have a deep connection to a person, a position, or a passion. However, if the connection fades or causes us to fall into sin, we may enter a crisis of maintaining our faith, peace, and our joy.
Thankfully, in Christ, we’ve been given open and eternal access to God. He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) As Creator of the universe and Redeemer of our souls, He alone is worthy of our worship. (Psalm 86:8-13) Such loyalty and love for the Almighty God come with a promise.
“Yes, joyful are those who live like this! Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 144:15 NLT).
Living with joy is possible for “those whose God is the Lord.” Otherwise, we may have moments of tremendous delight without a continuous link to having joy. Yet, in seasons of difficulty, choosing joy may also involve seeking help from God’s ambassadors.
Our local church, trusted family and friends, or a licensed and skilled Christian counselor are often people God uses to navigate us through tough seasons. However, His life-giving Word is the ultimate compass. It tells us to put God first in all things. (Matthew 6:33) Then as we seek Him or interact with others, we can experience the most lasting and purest kind of joy.
Your Joy Story
What choices do you need to make to start living or keep living with joy?
Prayer
Dear God, forgive me for putting anything or anyone before You. Thank You for every good and perfect gift You’ve given me. Salvation through Your Son Jesus is the greatest gift of all. May I put You first in all things and experience pure and lasting joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.
About the Author
Joy A. Williams is an author and blogger who is amazed her first name became her life’s mission. She is passionate about sharing God’s grace and His ability to deposit joy into even the most desolate soul. On her blog, she encourages sincere and sidetracked truth seekers with hope for the heart and “joy to the soul”. Find more encouragement from Joy A. Williams, on the “Joy to the Soul" blog.
About this Plan
Some days, walking by faith with delight is easier than others. But Hebrews 12:2 tells us Christ overcame every obstacle to securing our redemption "for the joy set before Him." His delight in saving our souls is meant to be our joy as we believe in Him today. This 7-day devotional provides insight and encouragement for us to settle into God’s grace and seize the joy set before us.
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