Daily Devotional for Saturday October 30, 1999

Joy

(Psalm 100)

Joy. What a powerful word for only 3 letters. It is the one thing that so many are looking for each day. There are many types of joy. The joy of doing well on a project at work or school. The joy of seeing your favorite sports team win a big game. The joy of a parent as their child accomplishes something special. There are many types of joy, but the one the Bible talks about can only come from an intimate relationship with God. You see, the other types of joy I alluded to are fleeting, passing, and based on single events. The joy of God is deep down, continuous, encompasses your whole being. This joy can only be experienced when you are in a relationship with Christ, and a daily walk that magnifies Him.

You see, many believers lack joy in their life because they are still trying to live life their way, in their own strength. When you do it your way, you put yourself in the same place the world is at. The world continually seeks real, true joy. But because they lack a relationship with Christ, a daily walk with God, it is never possible to experience. Men of great wealth have often said that to have lots of money is nice, but without the joy only a life dedicated to Christ can bring, it is very empty.

Many of you this morning are looking for different things in your life. Many are facing great financial problems, health issues, relationship difficulties. I tell you today, that despite the earthly problems in your life today, there is an opportunity for you to have something money can't purchase. In spite of the problems in your life, you can still have something so special it gets you beyond those problems. God is offering His joy to you today if you are interested. Simply pray and ask for God to open your heart, help you through the difficulties, and put His joy in your heart today. Trust me, having the joy of the Lord can give you the strength you need to overcome and be victorious in any situation.

It is impossible for the world to understand the concept of Godly joy in the face of many difficulties. But the joy comes from the fact that God is fighting for you. God is working on your behalf. He said that if you will be about His business, He will take care of yours. Start serving God today, be an inspiration to someone today. Let God give you His joy today to strengthen you to carry on, despite the circumstances you are facing. His joy is not for sale, but free to those who ask for it.

I love you, am praying for you, and wish you a great day as we live with God's joy in our lives each and every day.