How Your Faith Develops Joy Everyday
How Your Faith Develops Joy Everyday
By Pastor Alexander Redd
October 13, 2023
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV).
In the heart of every believer, there resides a deep-seated joy that springs from faith in Christ Jesus. Those who have received the gift of salvation understand that this joy is not a fleeting emotion but a steady undercurrent that influences their daily habits.
Today's devotional scripture says, "Rejoicing Always." The first habit distinguishing believers who live joyously is their ability always to rejoice. This is not simply an encouragement to be happy but a call to rejoice in the Lord. As Paul writes in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will repeat it: Rejoice!" This rejoicing results from recognizing God's goodness, faithfulness, and unchanging love for us. We are to pray without ceasing.
Joyous believers have a habit of unceasing prayer, as we are reminded in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Praying without ceasing is a constant, open line of communication with God. It reflects our dependence on Him, our trust in His promises, and our desire to align our hearts with His. It's through prayer that we experience a deeper relationship with God, and this relationship brings joy. Moreover, we are to give thanks in everything.
In every circumstance, whether pleasant or challenging, joyous believers practice gratitude. While it is unnatural to be thankful when experiencing bad seasons of life, the apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs us, "In everything, give thanks." See the difference in this verse: "In everything." He is not saying give "Thanks for everything." You can't give thanks for the experience of cancer or a car accident that disabled you, nor can you give thanks for an armed robber who slays your next-door neighbor. This gratitude isn't merely for the good times but for the trials as well because we understand that "the testing of your faith produces perseverance" (James 1:3). This habit of thankfulness, even in difficult times, emanates from a heart that trusts in the sovereignty of God and His ability to use all things for our good (Romans 8:28).
As believers, we are not promised a life without hardship. We will face trials, challenges, and moments of despair. But the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). The joy of the Lord permeates our lives, influences our habits, and shines brightly for others to see. When we abide in Christ, we can live joyously every day, drawing strength from our faith and inspiring others to do the same.
Please pray with me: Heavenly Father, help us to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. May our lives reflect the joy that comes from abiding in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
By Pastor Alexander Redd
October 13, 2023
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV).
In the heart of every believer, there resides a deep-seated joy that springs from faith in Christ Jesus. Those who have received the gift of salvation understand that this joy is not a fleeting emotion but a steady undercurrent that influences their daily habits.
Today's devotional scripture says, "Rejoicing Always." The first habit distinguishing believers who live joyously is their ability always to rejoice. This is not simply an encouragement to be happy but a call to rejoice in the Lord. As Paul writes in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will repeat it: Rejoice!" This rejoicing results from recognizing God's goodness, faithfulness, and unchanging love for us. We are to pray without ceasing.
Joyous believers have a habit of unceasing prayer, as we are reminded in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Praying without ceasing is a constant, open line of communication with God. It reflects our dependence on Him, our trust in His promises, and our desire to align our hearts with His. It's through prayer that we experience a deeper relationship with God, and this relationship brings joy. Moreover, we are to give thanks in everything.
In every circumstance, whether pleasant or challenging, joyous believers practice gratitude. While it is unnatural to be thankful when experiencing bad seasons of life, the apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs us, "In everything, give thanks." See the difference in this verse: "In everything." He is not saying give "Thanks for everything." You can't give thanks for the experience of cancer or a car accident that disabled you, nor can you give thanks for an armed robber who slays your next-door neighbor. This gratitude isn't merely for the good times but for the trials as well because we understand that "the testing of your faith produces perseverance" (James 1:3). This habit of thankfulness, even in difficult times, emanates from a heart that trusts in the sovereignty of God and His ability to use all things for our good (Romans 8:28).
As believers, we are not promised a life without hardship. We will face trials, challenges, and moments of despair. But the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). The joy of the Lord permeates our lives, influences our habits, and shines brightly for others to see. When we abide in Christ, we can live joyously every day, drawing strength from our faith and inspiring others to do the same.
Please pray with me: Heavenly Father, help us to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. May our lives reflect the joy that comes from abiding in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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