Scripture and a Prayer: “Joy’s Right Around the Corner”
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)
Prayer:
Lord, with all that is going on in this world, and what is going on in my life, what a blessing it is knowing that Your joy is always there for me, that not only is it right around the corner, but it is new every single morning. What a blessing knowing that while pain and weeping seems to be the norm with all that is going on, that these will be replaced with your divine favor and a joy that can only be found in your presence. Therefore, I will praise Your name and give You thanks, as Your mercies towards me are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness. AMEN
Dennis Lee is Senior Pastor at Living Waters Fellowship, Mesquite, Nevada. He presently has two books, “From Here to There: A Journey to Spiritual Transformation,” and “Wells of Living Waters,” He also writes a religious column for a local newspaper entitled, “Rediscover the Bible for Life,” along with daily devotionals and thoughts that he posts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Living Waters Fellowship’s Website
Photo by Aaron Burden on Freely Photos
As I read this, I’m reminded that Jesus, in whom is the truly the only source of this joy, knew full well what it meant to keep His eye on that joy despite what He went though upon the cross. Hebrews 12:2, it tells us “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Jesus chose to focus on the joy of being able to redeem mankind, rather than focus on what He was currently going through, which no matter what pain, suffering and sorrow that we ever go through in this life will ever compare. That is why Jesus was able to tells us in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
That you, and may the joy of the Lord be yours. Take care and God bless