Living in joy

​7-21-22
Living in joy
Today's daily devotion is based on Luke 10:17-21, "The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" And he (Jesus) said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
After a time of serving others, you may feel tired, yet you might notice an inner joy bubbling up. You know that your serving was by the grace of God, by his enabling; people have been blessed, and you can't help but praise him. Perhaps that's a taste of this 'joy through the Holy Spirit' that is discovered as we, too, learn to be led by the Spirit in trusting God at work in our situations—learning to see from heaven's perspective.
Joy is a gift from heaven usually discovered as we serve others. Joy rises within, replenishes us, and even energizes us and gives us new strength through the process. Joy is also part of the fruit of the Spirit received when the Holy Spirit is given to us. This joy is different from happiness, which is usually fleeting.
Please pray with me, Lord Jesus, grow in us this joyfulness you share with the Father and Holy Spirit. Give us insight and increase our understanding of your priorities. Amen.