Joy

A Mini Devotional

“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” Psalm 51:12

Someone dear to me is going through a very dry season. When asked how I could pray for this need, there were two requests:

1) Their thoughts would be taken captive (2 Corinthians 10:5);

2) They would again find joy in their work.

“So the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness: Sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 51:11).

I know God is faithful. I know this scripture will eventually come to pass for this person. In the meantime I will continue to pray, to hopefully love them with a heart that relies on the love of Jesus to be its all in all, so I can comfort and uplift and not add to the pressure they are already feeling. When I allow the joy of the Lord to be my strength (Nehemiah 8:10), I am able to stand in the gap and help win the spiritual war (2 Corinthians 10:4) that is trying to steal my loved one’s joy.

Father God, thank You that our dry seasons don’t last forever. Help me to remember what a privilege it is to come alongside in those times with love and in prayer. Amen.