Jump for Joy!

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

ROMANS 15:13

WHERE DOES JOY COME FROM? Sometimes we’re happy because good things are happening around us, like birthday parties, vacations, or just hanging out with friends. We have lots of fun with friends and get to do exciting things. All these things bring us happiness.

But joy is even more powerful than happiness. Joy comes from a deeper place, and it isn’t usually based on what’s happening around us. Joy comes from within us, and it comes from God. God’s amazing promise of forgiveness for our sins and eternal life with him in heaven is such a beautiful thing that it can bring us a never-ending supply of joy. We don’t have to let life’s problems and worries take away our joy either.

Plus, joy feels wonderful! It’s a sensation you can actually feel in your heart, your fingers, and your toes! It’s such a good feeling that it kind of oozes out when you talk to others. So savor the joy God brings into your life—and share it with your family and friends.

DO

Gather a stack of heavy books—as many as you can hold without dropping them. Now, try to jump as high as you can while holding them. Now set the books aside. Jump as high as you possibly can. Reach for the ceiling! That’s the difference in what happens when we’re filled with God’s joy!

PRAY

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me joy! Thank you for giving me so many things to be happy about, and your eternal promise that I can jump for joy about! Amen.

READ

Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Peter 1:8