Listen to this devotion
Joy in Knowing Jesus
In the Word
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4).
Of the Word
Paul wrote many of his letters from prison. Accused, berated, beaten, imprisoned, he still practiced what he preached: Rejoice! Rejoice in the Lord. In the dark and dank maximum-security cell of the Philippian prison, Paul and Silas found joy in the Lord.
Nothing in their circumstances or surroundings seemed to give reason for rejoicing. But they were able to look beyond those things and hold fast to the promises of God. Those promises gave them reason for rejoicing.
What “prisons” surround God’s people today? Unemployment? Over commitment? Depression? War? Paul’s exhortation, inspired by God, is the same for the 21st century: Rejoice in the Lord. And the Lord says to us … I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you (Joshua 1:5b). What a reason to rejoice in Him!
Walking with my Lord
Lord, no matter what circumstances face me today, help me to find joy in You. When I become weak and anxious, give me strength to endure. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 4/30 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.