One Source, Steady Joy
One clear station, steady joy in Jesus.
Devotional Credit: Abide Above, Miles Stanford
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Philippians 3:10 names a desire that keeps growing in me. To know Jesus, to share in what concerns His heart, to find joy in Him that is not fragile. In today’s Abide Above reading, Miles Stanford points us to a hard but freeing truth. Nothing outside the Lord will finally satisfy. Circumstances can be sweet or harsh, people can cheer or oppose, yet the Father means for our gladness to rest in His Son.
That does not mean the road gets easy. There is a discipline that corrects, and a discipline that develops. When my path bends in a way I would not choose, it is not evidence that I have lost my way. Often it is the Father loosening my grip on lesser props, so that I steadily discover more in Jesus.
Outward comforts have their place, but they cannot serve as the well of the heart. When they are taken or change, joy can sink if it was anchored there. The good news is simple. The Holy Spirit within points me to the risen Lord as my solitary source. From that place, I can enjoy blessings without clinging to them, and I can face losses without collapse.
So today I am grateful for the reminder. Give your mind to the things above. Let your center of gravity be the Living One. As attention rests there, peace grows sturdy, and love moves outward in quiet ways.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I steady your heart in the knowledge of My Son. You have been joined to Him, and I teach you to rejoice in Him. I work correction where you need it, and I work growth where you are ready. I turn your mind to the things above, where Christ is seated. I renew your mind as you present yourself to God. I form endurance and character, and I pour My love into your heart.
I remind you that sharing in the sufferings of Jesus is not a loss of joy. It is fellowship with the One who is your life. I supply peace that guards heart and mind. I strengthen you in your inner person so that Jesus dwells richly in your heart by faith. I draw you to the only spring that does not run dry, the Son who gives fullness of joy in the presence of the Father.
Set your mind where He is. Walk by Me. Abide in the Vine and bear fruit that remains. Rejoice in the Lord always. I am faithful to finish what I began in you, and nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Scripture references. Philippians 3:10, 1 Peter 4:13, 2 Corinthians 4:11, Hebrews 12:11, Romans 8:28 to 29, James 1:2 to 4, Romans 5:3 to 5, Colossians 3:1 to 4, Colossians 3:2, Philippians 4:4, John 15:11, Psalm 16:11, John 6:35, John 7:37 to 39, Jeremiah 2:13, 2 Corinthians 1:3 to 5, Romans 8:17, 1 Peter 1:6 to 7, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:6 to 11, Romans 8:5 to 6, Philippians 4:7, Ephesians 3:16 to 19, Ephesians 2:6, Hebrews 12:2 to 3, Romans 12:1 to 2, John 15:4 to 5, Romans 8:38 to 39.
Real-Life Analogy
On my car stereo there is a tuner knob. When it is between stations, the sound is thin and noisy. When I tune to one station, the music comes through clear, and the noise fades to the background. Joy in Jesus works like that. The Holy Spirit tunes the heart to one source. As I consent to His lead, the scattered noise that once set my mood loses control, and a steady song fills the day.
Try this today. Before you open an email thread that usually tightens your chest, pause and set your inner station. Say, Lord, I rely on You to express Your patience and clarity through me in this exchange. Then answer simply, with honesty and calm, confident that the Spirit will carry your tone and timing.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You for anchoring my gladness in Your Son. Thank You for correction that heals and development that matures. Thank You that Your Spirit lives in me, renewing my mind and guarding my heart with peace. I receive this day as a place for the life of Jesus to be seen through me. Lord, I depend on You to be my sufficiency in each conversation and choice, and I rest in Your faithful love.