This devotion is part 2 in praying the Fruit of the
Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23) for those we
love, as well as those we find it hard to love.
The focus of this prayer is joy – chara
= a sense of well-being independent of circumstances. Chara is very closely related to charis, a word translated “grace.” Joy is the awareness of the presence
and power of grace.
Scriptures:
- · 1 Chronicles 16:27
- · Psalm 5:11
- · Psalm 16:11
- · Psalm 43:4
- · Psalm 51:12
- · Zephaniah 3:17
- · Romans 15:13
- · 1 Peter 1:8
- · Jude 24-25
Heavenly Father, we want our family to be
happy, but recognize that there is not always a consensus of what that means or
requires. Happiness is not always in their best interest. It is fickle,
emotional and circumstantial. What they
need and what I desire for each one of these so precious to me is joy – real from
you joy. “In Your presence is
fullness of joy.” “Splendor and majesty are before you; strength and joy are in
your dwelling place.” It is your
presence in their life that makes possible that calming assurance that all is
truly well.
Joy is a sense of well-being regardless of
the circumstances. It is knowing that you are God, as close as the very air we
breathe and intimately involved in the details of our lives. You are there with
them and in them. They are “hidden in the secret place of your presence.” Please remind them, right where they are, at
this very moment that you are there.
May they know that you take great delight
in them – you actually exult over them with joy. If they are anxious or stressed, lonely or
frightened, sad or discouraged, quiet them with your love. Silence any racing
and condemning thoughts, and open their ears to hear you rejoicing over them
with shouts of joy. May they hear you say, “You are my precious child. I have
amazing plans for your life. These challenges and opportunities are
well-granted because through them flows the assurance of My intimate
involvement in your life.”
O Lord, you are my joy and delight. You
fill my heart with exceeding joy as I am reminded that you take joy in us frail
and needy children. You are also my God
of hope. Though I have not seen you with
my eyes, I love you; and even though I do not see exactly how you are working
right now, I believe in you and am filled with an inexpressible and glorious
joy. I want that for my family. Fill them with all joy and peace as we learn
together to trust you completely.
May we individually and as a family overflow
with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
This world needs joy. Lord, may
we be conduits of your joy as we live out the reality of your presence and
power in our lives. That is the secret of unmistakable joy. Let it fill and flow through us for your joy
and glory.
