Joy That Chooses Jesus
Morning light on a quiet table, a simple picture of joy rising as we look to Jesus.
Devotional Credit: Days of Heaven on Earth by A. B. Simpson
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Habakkuk’s words land like a steadying hand. Yet I will exult in the Lord. I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. Today’s reading from A. B. Simpson reminds me that joy is not a mood I chase, it is a Person who meets me. The passage does not ignore sorrow. It invites a different center of gravity, a grace-filled choice to look to Jesus when feelings dip low.
Simpson speaks of joy as a faith response, not a performance. The Scriptures call this the sacrifice of praise. It is costly to lift thanks when the heart is heavy. But this is not white-knuckled religion. It is the life of abiding in Christ, where the Holy Spirit turns our gaze toward the risen Lord and joy rises from His presence.
This choice is not denial. It is agreement with what God has already done. In Jesus we are new creations, indwelt by the Spirit, seated with Him, supplied for this very moment. Joy grows as we say yes to that reality. The feelings often follow. Sometimes they do not, yet the Lord remains faithful, and His peace guards the heart.
So, friend, if this day opens with a gray sky inside, you are not on the outside of God’s kindness. Joy is not far away. The Savior is near, and He delights to express His life through you even now.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I am with you. Lift your eyes. Though fields seem empty, I turn your heart toward the God of your salvation. Rejoice in the Lord. Count it all joy when trials press in, for I work endurance and maturity. Offer the sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that give thanks to My name. You are crucified with Christ and you live, yet not you, for Jesus lives in you. Consider yourself dead to sin and alive to God. Set your mind on things above where the Anointed One is seated. Abide in Me and bear fruit that remains.
I pour My love into your heart. I give beauty for ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit. In all things I work for good for those who love Me. My grace is sufficient and My power is made perfect in weakness. Do not lose heart, for your inner person is renewed day by day. Though you have not seen Jesus, you love Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. I work in you to will and to act according to My good pleasure, and I am faithful to complete what I began.
Scripture references: Habakkuk 3:17 to 19, Philippians 4:4, James 1:2 to 4, Hebrews 13:15, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:11, Colossians 3:1 to 3, John 15:4 to 5, Romans 5:5, Isaiah 61:3, Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Corinthians 4:16 to 18, 1 Peter 1:8 to 9, Philippians 2:13, Philippians 1:6, Ephesians 2:6.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of noise-cancelling headphones on a busy commute. The room does not change, but when the switch is on, the background hum fades and the important sounds come forward. Choosing joy works like that. As you yield to the indwelling Spirit of Jesus, He does what you cannot manufacture. He quiets the low drone of worry and brings the Lord’s faithfulness to the front of your awareness.
Try this today. When disappointment presses, pause and look to Jesus. Say, Lord, I trust You to let Your joy rise through me right here. Then step into the next thing with a gentle tone, an honest word, and a willingness to bless, expecting His life to show in patience and kindness.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that joy in Jesus is already mine in Him. Thank You that Your Spirit lives in me, that Your peace guards my heart, and that grace supplies what this day requires. I receive this day as a place for Your life to be seen. Lord, I trust You to overflow Your joy through me in this moment.