THE ANTICIPATION
Devotional Reading
What does true joy look like? That is sometimes hard to answer, and for most of us, we may be tempted to answer that it looks a lot like happiness. But joy is far superior to happiness. Joy is not something that can be swayed or touched by the distractions of the moments. Joy is not subject to our fickle human emotions. Our joy is a byproduct of our relationship with the Lord. It flows from our freedom, our access to His presence and our knowledge that in Him, we are complete. It is a joy laced with anticipation for all Jesus did do and all He will do in the future.
As Jesus said in John 15:11 NKJV: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” And again, in John 17:13 NKJV: “But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves” Christ in us is our joy! And because He never leaves us, joy never departs from us. It is always available to us – no matter what we face or feel. Joy is ours, because Christ lives in us!
Scripture Reading
[Psalm 16:2, 5-9, 11 NKJV] 2 O my soul, you have said to the LORD, "You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You." ... 5 O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. 6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance. 7 I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. 8 I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. ... 11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Candle Lighting
Relight the candles of Hope and Peace, and then light the candle of Joy. Choose one person to relight the first two candles, and as you light the third candle of Joy give thanks for all the ways that God has given you an abundance of joy. Take a moment to worship the Savior for the joy that is freely given to you through His salvation and the abundance of His promises to you. Let your joy overflow!
Prayer
Lord, thank you for being our joy! When we think on your goodness, your faithfulness, your abundance, your favor, your blessings, your awesome power – we overflow with joy. Thank you for choosing us to be yours. Because of what Jesus did for us, we have to opportunity to know true joy, the joy that comes from having access to our Father. Thank you for calling us into a relationship with you. There is no greater joy, Jesus! You are our joy! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Reflection Questions
Take Action
Remember, joy is ours because Christ lives in us. Share joy with others today by texting or calling 3 friends or family members that have been a blessing in your life. Tell them what they mean to you and how much joy they bring to your life.
What does true joy look like? That is sometimes hard to answer, and for most of us, we may be tempted to answer that it looks a lot like happiness. But joy is far superior to happiness. Joy is not something that can be swayed or touched by the distractions of the moments. Joy is not subject to our fickle human emotions. Our joy is a byproduct of our relationship with the Lord. It flows from our freedom, our access to His presence and our knowledge that in Him, we are complete. It is a joy laced with anticipation for all Jesus did do and all He will do in the future.
As Jesus said in John 15:11 NKJV: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” And again, in John 17:13 NKJV: “But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves” Christ in us is our joy! And because He never leaves us, joy never departs from us. It is always available to us – no matter what we face or feel. Joy is ours, because Christ lives in us!
Scripture Reading
[Psalm 16:2, 5-9, 11 NKJV] 2 O my soul, you have said to the LORD, "You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You." ... 5 O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. 6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance. 7 I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. 8 I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. ... 11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Candle Lighting
Relight the candles of Hope and Peace, and then light the candle of Joy. Choose one person to relight the first two candles, and as you light the third candle of Joy give thanks for all the ways that God has given you an abundance of joy. Take a moment to worship the Savior for the joy that is freely given to you through His salvation and the abundance of His promises to you. Let your joy overflow!
Prayer
Lord, thank you for being our joy! When we think on your goodness, your faithfulness, your abundance, your favor, your blessings, your awesome power – we overflow with joy. Thank you for choosing us to be yours. Because of what Jesus did for us, we have to opportunity to know true joy, the joy that comes from having access to our Father. Thank you for calling us into a relationship with you. There is no greater joy, Jesus! You are our joy! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Reflection Questions
- What does joy look like to you? How does it show itself?
- How can you stir up joy in your life?
- What is the joy that Jesus promised you?
Take Action
Remember, joy is ours because Christ lives in us. Share joy with others today by texting or calling 3 friends or family members that have been a blessing in your life. Tell them what they mean to you and how much joy they bring to your life.
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