The world, the flesh, and the devil conspire to steal our joy every day. Since celebrating the resurrection of Jesus last Sunday, how many days have you continued to celebrate and rejoice? Jesus is still risen. It's not just the grind of work and family that distract us. It's the news – trying to make us afraid and worried about things far away. Didn't Jesus say each day has enough trouble of its own? Social media can also be a negative distraction if we are undisciplined about it. Ask God to show you how to detox from news and social media so they don't steal your joy.

If you are concerned with some matter, take it to the Lord in prayer, then trust Jesus to handle it and go on your way rejoicing. Put down the burdens that are not yours to carry in the first place. And the burdens and responsibilities that are yours to carry, bring them to Jesus. As the old song says, “Keep doing your best. Pray that it’s blessed. Let Jesus take care of the rest.” Go on your way rejoicing.

 

Dear Heavenly Father,

I confess that I have not rejoiced in the resurrection of Jesus every day. Thank You that Jesus is alive and reigning in heaven. Help me to let Jesus reign in my heart and life more and more, so that following Jesus is not just slogging through duties but is the deep and abiding joy that You want it to be for me. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Can you welcome Jesus into the throne of your life? Praise the Lord by reading these verses, also from Psalm 118, out loud: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord. The Lord is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us...You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”