Joy Is a Settled Confidence in God’s Goodness
Joy Is a Settled Confidence in God’s Goodness
Joy is not the same as happiness. It is not dependent on circumstances, feelings, or the absence of pain. True joy is a lifestyle—a deep, abiding confidence in God’s goodness and presence, no matter what we face. Paul’s life radiated joy even in prison, because his hope was anchored in Christ, not in his situation.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to embrace this kind of joy. We can be honest about our struggles and still choose to trust God’s promises. Joy grows as we remember who God is and what He has done for us. It is a gift that sustains us through every season, making us people who bring hope and light to a weary world.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (KJV): “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
Reflection: What is one difficult circumstance you are facing right now? How can you choose to anchor your joy in God’s character and promises today, rather than in your situation?
To listen to the sermon that corresponds with this devotion, click one of the links below:
Our Website: https://www.mbcpb.org/media
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2OZQejO1S7Qh8he1NFvT0W?si=bb0b3590820c44e0
Joy is not the same as happiness. It is not dependent on circumstances, feelings, or the absence of pain. True joy is a lifestyle—a deep, abiding confidence in God’s goodness and presence, no matter what we face. Paul’s life radiated joy even in prison, because his hope was anchored in Christ, not in his situation.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to embrace this kind of joy. We can be honest about our struggles and still choose to trust God’s promises. Joy grows as we remember who God is and what He has done for us. It is a gift that sustains us through every season, making us people who bring hope and light to a weary world.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (KJV): “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
Reflection: What is one difficult circumstance you are facing right now? How can you choose to anchor your joy in God’s character and promises today, rather than in your situation?
To listen to the sermon that corresponds with this devotion, click one of the links below:
Our Website: https://www.mbcpb.org/media
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2OZQejO1S7Qh8he1NFvT0W?si=bb0b3590820c44e0
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Archive
2025
January
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April
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