Joy Is Found in God
Today’s Verse:
Philippians 4:4 ESV
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
I was listening to the radio yesterday evening when word came down that New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole needed Tommy John surgery. For Yankees’ fans, it was devastating news before the start of the regular season in a couple of weeks. After listening to a number of callers complain that the season was already over for the Yanks, the host said that Yankees fans have nothing to be depressed about. Instead, they should be joyous that the team is still pretty good and is still probably the best team in the American League.
But what is joy? While sports breaks our hearts regularly, I believe we need to look to God for a deeper and more profound definition. Joy isn’t just a quick feeling; it’s a deep and lasting trust in God’s goodness. Saint Paul wrote these words while in prison, yet he urged believers to be happy all the time. How could he be happy in such tough times? Because his joy came from Christ, not from temporary things found in this world.
When we base our happiness on things of this world—like success, money, or even relationships—our joy can go away when things get tough. But when our joy is in the Lord, it stays strong because He never changes. He’s always faithful, always kind, and always close to His people.
This verse is both a reminder and a command. God invites us to be happy, not because life is always easy, but because we belong to Him. He’s our Savior, our safe place, and our eternal hope. Even when we’re sad, we can still have joy, knowing that God is working everything for good (Romans 8:28).
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the joy we have in You. When life feels overwhelming, help us to rejoice, not because of our circumstances, but because of Your unchanging love and promises. Fill our hearts with peace and remind us to always trust in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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