December 17
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the Peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Paul in Philippians 4:4-7 (NRSV)
Joy is at the heart of the journey through Advent to Christmas. Martin Luther said "The heart overflows with gladness, and leaps and dances for the joy it has found in God. In this experience the Holy Spirit is active, and has taught us in the flash of a moment the deep secret of joy. You will have as much joy and laughter in life as you have faith in God." Happiness is fleeting and dependent on circumstances. Joy is God's gift that lives even in hard times. Joy today in the knowledge of what God has done throughout the ages. Joy in the realization God is able and God does change things for the better. Joy in the assurance God can enter into your life no matter what your situation is. The Apostle Paul calls us to a life of rejoicing by:
• Living a life full compassion and gentleness
• Putting aside worry in confidence that the Lord is near
• Lifting our requests in prayer, with thanksgiving
• Trusting the Peace of God will guard our hearts and minds.
What is the present reality of Joy in your life?
• Do worries sometimes seem larger than your confidence in the fact that God is near?
• Does the busyness of your life sometimes interfere in your life of prayer?
• Does anxiety over the big things of the world stifle the little joys and pleasures in your life?
Advent is a time when we can clean out the inner stables and crowded dark closets of our lives so that new life can be born. Let your spirit be refreshed, and your life renewed in God's Messiah!
Prayer: Lord, Grant me the gift of your Joy every day. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: Light an Advent candle of Joy today.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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