Joy

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.” 

(Luke 1:39-44)

Sometimes you’ve just got to be happy. On a few rare days in your life, everything comes together, and you rejoice. You may know that harder days are coming, but today is lovely.

We can see Mary and Elizabeth doing that in today’s reading. Both of them are just so excited and happy—to see each other, to see what God has done for them, to know that Jesus is right there in Mary’s womb.

We, too, can have that joy when we think about our God and what He’s done for us. He created you—loved you—refused to give up on you. He came into this world to save you, and to make you His own forever. He died and rose for you. He promises to be with you, now and every day of your life. He cares for all your needs. He will raise you from the dead.

Lord, give me Your real, lasting joy, even when life is hard. Amen.

Reflect & Discuss

1. Describe one of the top three happiest days in your life. 
2. Have you ever rejoiced, even in the middle of trouble?
3. What one thing, big or small, has God done for you that gives you joy?