by Jordy van Gaalen

Overflow with Hope and Joy

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

“… For the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10b NIV

God desires us to experience joy. Not the kind of happiness that is fleeting, the kind of happiness offered by the world. Not the kind of joy in which moths can eat or worms can devour (Isaiah 51:8). The joy that is spoken of in Biblical context only comes through our Savior Jesus.

Biblical joy is not merely a feeling or emotion. Our joy is solely dependent on who Jesus is. Joy is not dependent on us or on our circumstances. We have joy in the Holy Spirit, dwelling within us. We have this joy in the hope of God’s Word, promises, and saving grace. 

This joy that comes only from God equips us and strengthens us. When we are consumed with joy, we can face the struggles and battles of this world. We know we are not doing so alone. When we have that joy and hope of eternal life, we know nothing can ever separate us from the everlasting love of our Father. 

“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.”
John 17:13 NIV

As Jesus had the strength and support from God the Father, so we have been granted that gift through Jesus as a mediator on our behalf. He created that bridge and tore the separating curtain in two when He sacrificed His life and rose again. We have the Father’s presence as we journey in this world. Immanuel – God is with us. These words of Jesus are so lifegiving: “That they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” What a gift! 

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 NIV

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado