"The Joy of the Lord" Devotional

Introduction

Welcome to this devotional based on LMA Episode 2, “The Joy of the Lord.” In this time of reflection, we will briefly introduce the fruit of the flesh as opposed to the fruit of the Spirit and as well as exploring the fruit of the Spirit, joy. As you engage with these questions and scriptures we encourage you to have a journal and your Bible handy! There are sentence stems below to support you in your processing if needed.

Connecting to the Vine

Reflect on John 15:1-5. Have you been intentionally abiding in Christ? If so, are you mindful of the joy of the Lord in your life? If not, how can you take time to abide in Christ today?

Joy as Surrender

Reflect on Hebrews 12:1-2. Are there areas in your life that you have not surrendered to the Lord? If so, take a moment to do so.

“Jesus, thank you for the our willing surrender and submission to the Father’s will. In this moment, I surrender _______ to you.”

Joy as Trial

James 1:2-3 says to “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

Challenge yourself to count it all joy & thank God in advance, for the forging of your character that is being produced as you endure the current trials in your life.

Joy as Strength

Proclaim this truth of your life: “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

Take time to reflect on this truth and ask God to continue to strengthen you, through the Holy Spirit, in joy.

Closing Prayer

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

(Romans 15:13)

Scripture Reference

Galatians 5:16-21 (Timestamp- 2:30)

Galatians 5:22-26 (Timestamp- 4:04)

Romans 6:1-4 (Timestamp- 7:09)

John 15:1-5 (Timestamp- 8:46)

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (Timestamp- 11:03)

Hebrews 12:1-2 (Timestamp- 13:39)

Matthew 26:39 (Timestamp- 15:09)

Romans 8:6 (Timestamp- 16:59)

Jeremiah 17:9 (Timestamp- 18:36)

James 1:2-3 (Timestamp- 22:14)

Jeremiah 18:6 (Timestamp- 26:31)

Matthew 16:22-23 (Timestamp- 28:47)

Matthew 16:24 (Timestamp- 29:20)

Psalm 30:5 (Timestamp- 33:10)

Nehemiah 8:10 (Timestamp- 34:44)