We live in a time when multiple medicinal options are available for most ailments. For the crushed spirit, a cheerful heart provides a pain-reliever no medicine can. Jesus is that source of joy. He alone is the antidote for a weary soul. Reach out and take hold of the Shepherd’s hand as He leads you down the road to ultimate joy.
Key Verse: A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22
- Monday – In today’s verse, the person goes out weeping BUT still carrying seed to sow. We must be willing to do our part in the process of joyful wholeness. What would this look like in your life within your circumstances?
- Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Psalm 126:5–6
- Tuesday – Anxiety. Fear. Worry. Sorrow. When these wash upon the shore of our lives, where do we run to find relief and comfort? Today’s verse reminds us that the nearness of His compassion and comfort brings joy in the midst of a painful journey. Where do you need to feel His relief and support?
- When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19
- Wednesday – When jobs fail to provide, relationships stall out, and nothing seems to materialize, can we still rejoice in the Lord? When all else fails, everything is stripped back, and we’re left with nothing but God, is He enough? Spend time praying today’s verse over your situation, seeking to be joyful in your Savior.
- Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:17–18
- Thursday – Consumed with anguish, David’s bone grew weak, and his strength failed (Psalm 31:10). We, too, face the same draining effects during trying times. Because we serve the same God, we can trust He is still our shelter in the storm rejoicing in His love for us. Where do you need the joy only He can provide to be your strength?
- The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
- Friday – When we’re faithful in prayer, we receive supernatural power to be patient in affliction and hope keeps our lamp of joy burning. If the joy in your life is flickering, spend extra time in prayer seeking God’s strength, hope, and joy.
- Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
