August 21st, 2022

​8-21-22
 
Rejoice
 
Today’s devotion is based on Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Can we feel joy in our hearts when we are troubled by past sins? Can we rejoice when we or those we love face life’s sharp edges of unemployment, financial problems, sickness, uncertainty, pain, and death? How can we rejoice under some of the harsh circumstances we face in life?
In the Lord, outward circumstances do not and should not determine the condition of our hearts. Even when everything around us is dark and gloomy, God’s changeless love fills our hearts with joy. That inner joy flows from sure promises of the gospel: the joy of daily forgiveness, the joy that God is with us, the joy that God works out all things for our good, the joy that Jesus is returning to take us to be with him in heaven.
Please pray with me, Lord, amid the difficulties and disappointments of my life, shine through to my heart with your love. Thank you for choosing me to be your own and giving me a changeless and incomparable joy in you, my Savior. Amen.