Joy That Guards The Day
Turning the blinds toward the morning, a simple picture of rejoicing that brightens the day.
Devotional Credit: Days of Heaven on Earth by A. B. Simpson
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Philippians 3:1 says, rejoice in the Lord. Simpson reminds us that joy in Jesus is not a luxury, it is a safeguard. He points us away from gloomy self-inspection and back to the cross where the debt was paid and the heart is made clean. One grateful look to Jesus outweighs a thousand downward glances at our failures.
He urges us to lay yesterday’s sins where they belong, at the cross, and to reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God. In union with Christ we stand before the Father blameless in His Beloved. That is our footing for today, not our track record, but His finished work.
Even our stumbles can become tutors. They can teach watchfulness and reveal fresh pathways of victory as we depend on the indwelling Holy Spirit. Over time, many of us learn to thank God even for the hard lessons, because He used them to anchor us deeper in grace.
Praise, Simpson says, is a sacrifice that should be offered continually. A single moment of gloom can dim a whole day, but rejoicing brightens the hours. So we lift our eyes, we give thanks, and we step forward from the abiding life of Jesus within.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I call you to rejoice in the Lord, for this is a safeguard to your heart. I set your gaze on the cross where the price was paid. There is now no condemnation for you in Christ Jesus. Consider yourself dead to sin and alive to God in Him. I cleanse you, I renew your mind, I seat you with the risen One, and I keep you in perfect peace as your mind is stayed on Me.
Offer the sacrifice of praise. Let the fruit of your lips give thanks to My name. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is My will for you in Christ Jesus. Present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, and be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth, for you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When sorrow presses in, I comfort you. When weakness shows, My strength is made perfect. When fear whispers, I am with you. I crown you with lovingkindness and tender mercies. I teach your heart to sing in the night and to walk in the day with joy. Walk by the Spirit, and the life of Jesus will be seen in you.
Scripture references: Philippians 3:1, Romans 8:1 to 2, Romans 6:11, 1 John 1:7 to 9, Romans 12:1 to 2, Ephesians 2:6, Isaiah 26:3, Hebrews 13:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:16 to 18, Hebrews 12:2, Colossians 3:1 to 4, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Psalm 103:4 to 5, Job 35:10, Psalm 42:8, Galatians 5:16.
Real-Life Analogy
Each morning I open the blinds. The room looks different the moment the slats turn. Dust and shadow give way to clear light and color. Choosing praise is like that. As I turn toward Jesus, the Holy Spirit brings what is true into view, and heaviness loses its grip without white-knuckle effort.
Try this. Before you answer that hard email or step into a tense room, pause and turn the inner blinds toward the Lord. Say, Lord, I trust You to fill my words with Your joy in this moment. Then go in quietly, watchful for how He expresses patience and kindness through you.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that joy in the Lord is a safeguard for my heart. Thank You that the blood of Jesus has cleansed me, that there is no condemnation, and that I stand before You in Your Beloved. I receive this day as a gift, and I choose praise. I present my mind, my words, and my work to You. Lord, I trust You to express Your joy through me today.