Today’s Bible Verse:
Proverbs 17:22 ESV

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

In a world of trials and hardships, joy sometimes seems like a rare and fleeting gift. This proverb reminds us, though, that joy is more than just an emotion or mood—it’s medicine for our souls. In His wisdom, God designed joy as a source of strength, a way to help carry us through life’s challenges with a spirit of hope.

Joy doesn’t mean denying the reality of our struggles; instead, it invites us to see God’s hand at work, even in difficulty. In our faith, we have an enduring source of joy: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Because of His death and resurrection, we have the assurance of salvation, the love of a Savior who walks beside us, and the promise of eternal life. When fully embraced, this truth brings a deep, abiding joy that nothing in this world can take away.

Conversely, a “crushed spirit” can leave us weary and depleted. We may find ourselves isolated and burdened when we let sorrow and worry take root. But Jesus calls us to lay our burdens at His feet. He invites us to experience His peace, to live in His love, and to take comfort in His promises. He can heal the brokenhearted and restore our joy.

Prayers

A Prayer for Today:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of joy that strengthens and uplifts me. Help me find joy in You, even when life is hard. In Jesus’ name, I pray. 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.

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.

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A Song for Today