Daily Devotional
Are You a Prisoner to Circumstances?
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
John 15:11
September 26, 2023
Ponder This
In the Book of Hebrews, the Bible says God the Father has anointed the Lord Jesus with the oil of gladness above His companions. (See Hebrews 1:9.) The word “gladness” there is another word for joy. What it literally means is, “joy that leaps and dances.” Can you imagine Jesus leaping and dancing? That’s the kind of joy He has. It is abounding joy—not half-hearted, not maybe-so joy—but supernatural, abundant joy.
If you don’t see Jesus as joyful, you’ve not seen Jesus. Don’t think of Jesus as some pale, sanctimonious, religious recluse with ice water for blood. Jesus had a life of abounding joy. Happiness depends on what happens, and that’s why we call it happiness. If that’s what you’re waiting for and that’s what you depend on, then I can tell you clearly and plainly you’re going to be a prisoner of circumstances. That’s the time you’re going to need joy. Happiness depends on what happens; joy depends on what? The Lord. “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). The only way you can rejoice always is to rejoice in the Lord because He never changes. Joy is not the subtraction of problems from life; joy is the addition of power to meet those problems. You’re going to have problems, but the joy we have in the Lord Jesus Christ is abundant.
- How have you experienced Christ’s joy? When is it most difficult for you to rejoice in the Lord?
- Are you more likely to be driven by your circumstances or by hope in Jesus?
Practice This
Spend some time rejoicing, praising God for who He is by singing, writing, or dancing.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
