By: Elizabeth Haarberg

On a Lighter Note

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

I am guilty of writing about heavy subjects, but I want you to know that I really don’t take myself that seriously. I love to live in God’s joy. The belly laugh, big smile, loud music, and joy all connect to heaven. But even more than outward joy is the internal element of being full of the Holy Spirit. This is the true measure of joy.

Joy truly is a medicine that should be prescribed to every human.

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in
him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining
the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9, English Standard Version

How do we receive the joy of the Lord? 1. Get in His presence!

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11, English Standard Version

2. Pray!

Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
John 16:24, English Standard Version

The result of asking God to pour His joy out on us through prayer is one of the elements the Holy Spirit is anxious to give us.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 English Standard Version

Pray for more of God and He will pour out His love on us. He gives amazing gifts to us because He loves us. He knows that we can’t do His work if we aren’t full of Him. Joy is part of the package He offers us. Go like a little child to Him, full of wonder and joy, and let him bless us.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado