The Unsinkable Spirit

Today's Word of Wonder: Buoyancy

The Scripture Spotlight for Today

"...Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."— Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

The Devotion: The Difference Between Happiness and Joy

We often use the words "happiness" and "joy" interchangeably, but in the Kingdom of the Vine, they are very different. Happiness is tied to our "happenings"—it’s what we feel when the sun is out and our bank account is full. But Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit. It’s a deep-seated Buoyancy that keeps our heads above water even when the waves are high.

Notice that Nehemiah doesn't say "Your joy in the Lord is your strength." He says "The joy OF the Lord."

The WOW Moment today is realizing that you don't have to "pump yourself up" to be joyful. You simply have to tap into His joy. God is not a stressed-out Creator; He is a joyful Father! When you abide in Him, His perspective becomes yours. You begin to see your "Wednesday problems" through the lens of His "Eternal Victory."

Joy is the strength that allows a branch to bear heavy fruit without breaking. Today, if you feel weak, don't look for more willpower; look for more Joy. Let His delight in you be the fuel that gets you to the finish line of this week.

Wonder Prompt (Actionable Reflection)

What is the biggest "joy-thief" in your life right now? (Comparison? Worry? A heavy workload?)

• Action: For every "joy-thief" thought you have today, counteract it by speaking a "Joy-Truth." (Example: "I am stressed, but the Joy of the Lord is my strength.")
  

• Observation: Notice how your physical energy changes when you stop focusing on the "drain" and start focusing on the "Source."

• Prayer: "Lord, I thank You that Your joy isn't dependent on my circumstances. Today, I choose to dip my heart into Your delight. Be my strength where I am weak, and let Your joy be my song all day long. Amen."