God's Gift of True Joy Lives Within Us All

What is true joy anyway?

Is it someone who is jolly all the time?

Does it happen when everything goes like you want it to?

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:8-9

God gives us true joy that is bigger than us!

God’s joy is inexpressible!

God’s joy is glorious! 

His joy is found in a heart that at the same time is mourning. 

His joy is found in a person that at the same time is sick.

His joy is found in someone who at the same time is dealing with injustice…

because God’s joy does not depend on our circumstances.

God’s gift of joy comes by his gift of faith. We know we are loved by his Son, Jesus, who came to give up his life to take the punishment of sin every one of us deserves. That truth gives us true joy, peace, and freedom.

Our children are growing up in a world that tells them that joy is not dependent on their relationship with God but it comes from whatever they want it to come from. I mourn for so many  children and teens who are depressed because they do not know the true joy that Jesus gives them. 

A Daily Prayer:
O Jesus, give us opportunities to share how you give us your inexpressible and glorious joy with our family and friends today. We lift up those who are depressed and alone. Invade their hearts with faith like you invaded our hearts. Give them true joy in you alone. Amen.