There are many "blessings" that we seek out in the world. It's easy for us to think: If only we have enough money, are healthy enough, beautiful enough, or holy enough, we will be satisfied. But these are never enough and end up amounting to disappointment in the end. Beauty fades, the body weakens, our holier than thou theology makes us self-righteous and divisive, and money can only go so far.

"The prospect of the righteous is joy." Joy is deeper than fleeting pleasures. Jesus' coming was heralded as good news of great joy to all people (Lk 2:10). In the Bible, joy is often expressed in relation to what one receives from God and also in relation to others' well-being. There is joy when we realize that God's love is greater than all our sins and shortcomings. God has come to help us in our sufferings and failures. He gives us new life and hope. God's joy is when one lost child is found, and we share his joy when we care for and help others in their need. Joy is multiplied when shared with others.


Application: Lord, give us the joy of your salvation. You came to love us in our lost-ness. May our joy increase as we share in your love for others.
One Word: Be joyful