JULY 2005 DEVOTIONAL

Psalm 28:7

When you wake up in the morning, do you feel refreshed and eager to start the day? 

Are you more likely to exclaim, “Good Morning, Lord!” – or do you pull the covers over your head and groan, “Good Lord, it’s morning!” 

Are you excited about God’s plan for your life? – Do you know what it is?  

God’s Word teaches us that every day is a new opportunity to really live an amazing life.  His mercies (unmerited favor) are “new every morning,” and real joy (not put-on, fake emotion, but the real deal) “comes in the morning.” 

I know that when I’ve been overwhelmed with life, feeling depressed, struggling through difficulties, or apathetic and without energy, I have wondered if joy is real – and if it’s really for me.  Maybe it’s just for super-Christians – you know, the ones who never skip church or say a naughty word.  (Come on, you’ve thought that, right?)  But God promises that when we believe him, trust him, know him, and desire to follow him, powerful joy is our friend.   

That kind of authentic joy gets us through the hard times.  It underlies every kind of emotion – even grief, even fear.  In those situations, joy is not a “wooo hooo! or hahahahahahaha” type of feeling, but a deep-seated sense of peace that helps us know that God is still in control, even when life seems out of control.   

In good times, though, God’s joy knows no bounds.  It feels thrilling, energizing and ecstatically refreshing.  Real joy can fill and overflow your soul with emotion.  I recall numerous times when God has blessed me and I was brought literally to euphoric tears!  

But whatever the circumstances, heavenly joy is a reminder of God’s presence and purpose in our lives.  The reason being is when you know who you are – and more importantly whose you are, a new sense of security and significance is established within your soul.  That’s the foundation of true joy.   And when you decide to trust in and live out his heaven-determined direction for your life, the result is an amazing sense of well-being and unmatched pleasure we know as “joy.”  Even (believe it or not) when life sucks. 

God wants us to feel and know great joy – the joy that only he can provide.  This whole life was designed for us to love Him, know him and experience all he has lovingly designed for us.  If you want to feel more joy, get closer to God.  If you want to get closer to God, spend more time with him.  Do it!  And watch your joy become full! 

Love,
Lisa Kinakin