True joy

 27 Aug 25

Today's devotional: taken from YouVersion, Life Application Study Bible Devotion


True joy

When things are going well, we feel elated. When hardships come, we sink into depression. But true joy transcends the rolling waves of circumstance. Joy comes from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. When our lives are intertwined with his, he will help us walk through adversity without sinking into debilitating lows and manage prosperity without moving into deceptive highs. The joy of living with Jesus Christ daily will keep us levelheaded, no matter how high or low our circumstances.


“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”John‬ ‭15‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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Reflections

A strong relationship with Christ helps us to weather the fiercest storms and it also calms the most exhilarating joys. Goes both ways. It felt like a patient being put on medication so our emotions are levelled and does not go out of control, which is to me a good thing.


It is like a sense of calm, like a gentle sea with small waves or ripples that no boats will fear. A gentle breeze that blows on our faces that is not too strong but just cooling enough for us to enjoy the cool air and doesn’t mess up our hair. It is an indescribable sense of goodness within that being fully present, makes us highly aware of our surroundings not in fear but in full appreciation of all the good things.


It is a form of trust built between father and child. One that the child knows his father will be there and to protect him against any evil or fear. The child knows that the father has his back, just like the sheep knows the shepherd has their backs. This knowing and recognition of who their shepherd is, shapes their behaviour. Because of this high level of trust, they can freely be themselves and run around because they know that their shepherd is keeping watch. That trust is not build on a single day but over time. 


As we learn to rely on Him day after day, as we look up to Him and seek Him always, the trust that we have in Him grows. And it is through the consistent efforts of the shepherd that the sheep develops trust and that trust transcends to joy, the impeccable joy.

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