Daily Devotional
Do You Rejoice Always?
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
John 15:11
January 31, 2024
Ponder This
Christian joy is supernatural in its source, and it is steadfast in its strength. The shortest verse in the Greek is 1 Thessalonians 5:16. It’s two words in English, but one word in Greek. The two words in English are these, “Rejoice always.” It’s the shortest verse, but it deals with the longest time: always. This is the joy Jesus said will remain. It’s not happiness. It’s joy! You’re not supposed to be happy all the time.
Imagine you came home today and everything in your house had been stolen by thieves. Your heirlooms, your treasurers, your photo albums—all gone. Would that take away your joy? If it did, those things are the source of your joy. Your joy is no better than its source. You’ve got to have a source that is better than things for you to have joy that is steadfast. Only the joy of Jesus remains always.
- What are some things that bring you joy? What does that indicate as the source of your joy?
- What would it look like to rejoice always? What sounds good about that? What sounds challenging about that?
Practice This
Speak to fellow believers about how you can encourage one another to hold onto joy.
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.’”
