Devotionals

Joyful in God's Presence

by Cheryl Weber
03/27/23
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Some of us have been taught that too much laughter is evidence of worldliness, for according to 1 Peter 4:7 KJV, we must be “sober-minded.” We may also see God as an angry judge ready to punish us, for the result of sin is destruction (Galatian 6:7-8).

God actually overflows with joy and would rather show mercy than judgment (James 2:13). Yes, the consequences of sin are death, BUT the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus (Romans 6:23) who for the joy set before him, despised the shame of the cross and died for us (Hebrews 12:2).  We can now come to God as his beloved children (Luke 18:15-17) brought “with great joy into [the Father’s] glorious presence without a single fault” (Jude 1:24 NLT). 

The Bible is full of references to joy. Joy is the second fruit of the Holy Spirit in Paul’s list in Galatians 5:22-23. Nehemiah 8:10 says that the joy of the Lord is our strength.  Psalms 68:3-4 says, “Let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy.” NLT Psalm 16:8-9 tells us that joy gives rest to our physical bodies. Psalm 16:11 tells us that God will show us the path of life and then declares that in his presence is “fullness of joy” and at his right hand there are “pleasures forever.”  

But how does this joy help us when we feel as if our world is shattering? Our God is not shaken. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever and his kingdom will never end. The new life we received when we died to ourselves and turned to Christ will remain rock solid as well, ready for that day when Christ calls us home or he returns. If we keep our eyes on the Lord, trusting and praising him no matter our circumstances, we can find the strength to endure. 

PRAYER: Lord, I thank you that we can rejoice in your unfailing presence and that as we worship and focus on you, we will find strength. Amen