Find emotional joy
This week, we’ve discovered that joy comes in many forms. There is an absolute joy, an ultimate joy, and a pure joy. We’ve learned to find joy in trials and blessings. Joy is a gift from God, but it’s also an emotion. The Bible reveals to us that we are body, soul, and spirit: “...May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, NIV) We are three-dimensional people who think, feel, see, touch, and sense.
friend, you are a spiritual, emotional, and intellectual person living in a body. You are a complex blend that somehow comes together and is designed to represent God on Earth. The Bible even goes a step further: “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.” (Psalms 28:7, NIV) Notice in this verse that God promises you three things: strength, protection, and rescue. Wow, that’s amazing! This world is pretty turbulent right now, but your God will strengthen you, protect you, and rescue you.
The psalmist David experienced these promises. He felt very emotionally intense bonds with God:
- David trusted God with his whole heart. “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him...” (Psalms 28:7, NIV).
- His heart was full of joy. “You have put joy in my heart...” (Psalms 4:7, NASB).
- He was full of gratitude. “...my heart is full of joy; I will sing to Him in gratitude.” (Psalms 28:7, NET)
friend, will you reach out to God today? Will you allow Him to protect you and strengthen you? Will you trust Him with all your heart? If you can take these small leaps of faith this week, you will have more joy. You’ll feel so much better about God and your future. You are a miracle, and I love you more than a smoked meat sandwich.
