GOD'S STORY BRINGS JOY TO YOUR STORY
"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."
John 15:11 (ESV)
God has wired our hearts to desire joy. The world offers us countless options to satisfy that longing, but if we're honest, no amount of temporary pleasures, material possessions or applause from others can completely fill this void. Think about it, have you ever noticed that even when you get the thing your heart desires, you quickly become aware that something else is missing? It's only in God that we'll find the deep, eternal joy our hearts crave.
A proper understanding of God's story points our hearts to Eden and the ultimate purpose for which we were made: to glorify God and enjoy living in relationship with Him.
Today, we find ourselves living in the middle of the biblical narrative, where the reality of the fall is tangible. However, the redemptive work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit inside us makes the full and forever joy of God's presence accessible to us today as we navigate the highs and lows of life.
God longs for you to encounter the deep, unbreakable joy that comes from living in relationship with Him — the One who made you, gave everything to be with you, knows you fully, loves you completely, cares for you daily, comforts you deeply, and shares His victory over sin, Satan and death with you. This is the joy you were made for!
Your life is not happenstance. It's a unique and precious part of the most joy-filled story the world has ever known. The day you decide to follow Jesus, your life becomes the start of a magnificent adventure in loving and enjoying the heart of God, your Maker, that'll go on for eternity. The joy that comes from rooting your life in His grace and truth, as opposed to your feelings, circumstances, performance or possessions, is unbreakable. It has the power to magnify your awesome days and sustain you on your hardest days.
APPLICATION: Stop searching for joy that you've already been given.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for the joy and significance Your story brings to my life. Help me continually seek You as my greatest source of joy, not the things of this world. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?