Verse
So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord.
Thought
How can a convicting message, a message that calls us to turn our lives around (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10), bring joy in the middle of suffering? First, that message is true. Second, that message points us to a better way. Third, that message comes accompanied by the ultimate Message-Giver, the Holy Spirit. Joy is inspired, sustained, and produced by the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
O Father, inspire joy in me and those I love. I do not ask for this selfishly, but so that others can sense this deep and abiding joy within me and be open to hearing the message of Jesus, responding to his call to believe, and discovering the joy that is possible only because of the Spirit's presence in our lives. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
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