Killjoy

Wednesday, October 8

2 Corinthians 6:10 (NKJV)

“As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”

Devotion

Paul went on to say in verse 12 of this same chapter, “You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.” Thoughts, desires—perhaps pressures.

As Pastor Aaron was opening up his message on Sunday, he was making mention of how many of us are laden down with heaviness, sadness—over thinking.

There is a saying in this world: “Misery loves company.”

As children of God, we are not of this sort. We are not miserable people. Of course, we have our ebbs and flows, challenges, unexpected situations that present themselves to us—all by God’s design in order to see how we shall respond: in the flesh or in the spirit?

Our spirit man loves to praise and worship God, regardless of how we feel. Our spirit man loves to pray; he loves to serve and loves to help others. Our spirit man loves to bear fruits worthy of repentance (Matthew 3:8).

The Holy Spirit is not a spoiler. He works through our spirit man to create that fruit of joy that enables us to remain full of expectation, regardless of what we face.

The fruit of joy is infectious. The Holy Spirit will neither restrict nor contain the fruit of joy within a believer; rather, He wants it bubbling over to others. He wants it to be contagious.

“For the joy that was set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). How could Jesus possibly do this in His flesh? Because He had to. Jesus had to blaze the trail for us—to make this a reality.

Jesus is no killjoy. Jesus knows how to restore to us the joy of His salvation (Psalm 51:12).

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

When I have sorrow and lamentation, let me lament my own sin and have sorrow for the lost and the suffering. Let me always rejoice in the blood of Jesus and in the fact that it has rescued me, so that my name is written in heaven. Help me to be poor in spirit; may I be humble before God and man, so that You give me Your grace to flow from me and make many rich by pointing them to Jesus, to receive the riches of heaven by dying to the riches of this earth. May I be content with godliness, so that I may have the great gain of Your listening ear. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

It is a deep joy to know that God is with you and will not abandon you. The world does not give this kind of joy, and the world cannot take it away. Read Psalm 16:8-10 to encourage yourself. Jesus himself fulfilled these verses and proved them to be trustworthy and true.

Resources

Watch this message, “Enjoy The Journey”, and prioritize joy in your faith journey.

Experience the joy of the Lord through community by joining a Connect Group today.