Be Glad and Rejoice

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Isaiah 65:19 I will rejoice…and take delight in my people.

There’s no getting around it, life can be difficult. But this doesn’t mean we ought to live in a perpetual state of discouragement, disappointment, or isolation. In fact, we miss a significant theme in the Scriptures when we gloss over passages in which God Himself was joyful, and/or passages in which God encouraged His people to celebrate and be joyful. 

In the Old Testament, there were many Festivals in which God commanded His people to celebrate and be joyful. In the New Testament, Paul, Peter and others regularly write about their own joy as well as encouraging the people of God to be joyful.

The pattern seems clear. In the same way followers of Jesus ought not dismiss moments of sadness, grief, or other difficult emotions, we ought not dismiss opportunities to practice and experience real joy. 

As you begin a new week, take some time to consider whether you have been dismissing opportunities to practice and experience real joy. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     ISAIAH 65:19 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: How would you define joy? When is the last time you experienced a high level of joy in your life? 

DIGGING DEEPER: A synonym for joy is to delight in something. Consider, who or what are some things you delight in? What are some specific ways in which these people or things bring you delight? Is there anything you can do to increase the number of opportunities you have to experience delight in your life? 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that I can grow in taking purposeful opportunities to delight in something or in someone. As I begin this new week, help me to keep the words joy and delight at the forefront of my mind and spirit. Lead me to discover – or rediscover — people, places, and activities which lead to real joy and delight. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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