by Richelle Hecker

Knowing Joy is in Your Salvation

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

I admit I don’t know much about these underwater flowers. I’m pretty sure that they’re not actually flowers but are sea anemones.  My daughter took this photo at the Denver aquarium. There are many beautiful aquatic creatures there, many of which we’d never see in their natural habitat. I’m thankful we have a place to view more of the lovely creations of God.

One thing I do know about these lovely creatures is that they are full of joy. I don’t know this by looking at how beautiful they are on the outside. Their vibrant color and “petals” reaching out are not my evidence. I know because they are made by a loving Creator, who blesses them and cares for them, even those who live far under the water where they will never be seen.

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
1 Peter 1:8-9 | New International Version

Circumstances do not matter when it comes to joy.  It does not matter what we are going through or if anyone else sees us.  Joy is about knowing and loving God. It comes through the power of the Holy Spirit who is always praising God within us. Those sea anemones don’t really do much. They aren’t running around making it to appointments, getting to work or school on time, or fighting daily traffic. What they are doing is the most important thing. They are existing to glorify God.

Frequently when the pressures of life begin to overcome us we forget where our joy comes from. It is not what we have, or what we do that brings us joy. It is simply the act of knowing God, receiving His salvation, and living in faith with the knowledge that it is well with our soul. Be filled with joy this season, and glorify Your God by simply existing.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado