January 12, 2023
Daily Devotion:
"Be a Good Cheer"
PSALM 32:11
Good people, rejoice and be happy in the Lord. Sing all you who sent hearts are right.
There are so many ways to experience God's joy in your life. How many ways are you celebrating right now? ·The Joy of God's presence. In Psalm 16:8-9, David exalts: “7keep the Lord before me always. Because he is close by my side, I will not be hurt. So I rejoice and am glad.” If God is beside you, no one can steal that joy.
The Joy of salvation. Paul tells us: “And not only that, but now we are also very happy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we are now God's friends again" (Romans 5:11). Forgiveness of sins and peace with God are great reasons to be joyful.
The joy of God's goodness. Isaiah 63:9 tells us of God's great redemptive work: “When they suffered, he suffered also. He sent his on angel to save them. Because of his love and kindness, he saved them. Since long ago he has picked them up and carried them." What a kind and good God-and what a great source of joy! The joy of God's Word. King David speaks of God's Word with awe, reverence, and joy: "I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart" (Psalm 40:8 NKJV). Do you set yourself up for joy each day by partaking of God's Word?
The Joy of a clean heart. One of the most beautiful prayers ever uttered was David's immortal prayer for cleansing: “Create in me a pure heart, God, and make my spirit right again. Do not send me away from you or take your Holy Spirit Away from me. Give me back the joy of your salvation. Keep Me strong by giving me a willing spirit" (Psalm 51:10-12). If You are not experiencing joy in your life, maybe you need to start by seeking God's forgiveness and cleansing.
Joy in suffering. It doesn't seem possible to experience joy in the midst of sorrow, but Jesus reminded His disciples, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NKJV).
Are you discouraged? Blue? Depressed?
