Verse of the Day

Today's Verse

Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy.

Philippians 4:4 ERV

Devotion

Do you know what makes a baby happy? The embrace of her mother. Do you know what makes a toddler happy? A cookie. Do you know what makes a young boy happy? Fishing with his grandpa. Do you know what makes a teenager happy? Nothing. They’re pretty much unhappy all of the time.

Let’s face it, human beings are pretty fickle, aren’t they? We’re happy when things are going our way, and we’re miserable when things start to go the opposite direction. Stock market up? Happy! Stock market crashes? Miserable! Get a raise at work? Happy! Company downsizes? Miserable! Favorite sports team winning? Happy! Favorite sports team is the Chicago Bears? Miserable! I think you get the picture.

The Apostle Paul told the church at Philippi to always be filled with joy in the Lord. He even repeated it to make sure he got his point across to them. “Be filled with joy.” How can we be filled with joy when there are so many things in life that can make us miserable? When we look at the world around us, there is so much misery, heartache, and pain. How can anyone find joy amidst such unhappiness? We must be careful not to confuse happiness with joy.

Happiness is dependent upon circumstances. Joy is dependent upon the Savior.

Circumstances and situations will change, sometimes in the same hour or day. Take the cookie away from the toddler, and you’ll see happiness turn to misery quickly. Watch an athlete turn the ball over that leads to the opposing team scoring, and you’ll see an entire stadium full of fans go from happiness to misery in an instant. Watch the stock market take away half of someone’s retirement, and you’ll see misery in action. The thing about joy is that it is steady and constant, even in the midst of unhappiness. Why? It is because joy is dependent upon the Savior and the salvation that He gives to us.

The Word of God says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). His love and grace never change. The salvation He imparts doesn’t change. He doesn’t change the rules in the middle of the game. Joy comes from knowing that Jesus has saved you from your many sins by faith, and He won’t change His mind about it! Even if the circumstances of life change and go from happy to sad to miserable, His offer of salvation will never change. That, my friends, is why we, as followers of Jesus, can be filled with joy. Let me say it again, be filled with joy!

When we focus on the Savior and not on the circumstances, we will experience a joy that cannot be taken away from us. It is a joy that will last forever. Will we still have unhappy days from time to time? Yes. But the joy of our salvation will never wane. So let us focus on our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the joy His salvation brings to our lives.

By Shawn Cornett, Bible League International staff, Illinois U.S.