Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, Lord, and grant us your salvation. Ps. 85:6–7
Lord Jesus, we begin our Saturday saying, yea, verily, and Amen to King David’s cry for joy-renewal. The apostle Paul ask believers in Galatia, “What has happened to all your joy?” (Gal. 4:15). The possibilities are numerous.
The believers in Galatia were slipping back (or jumping back) into legalism—a true joy killer. Under-believing the Gospel certainly sabotages joy. Resentment is a joy bomb; unforgiveness, a joy thief; fear, a joy saboteur—show us Lord.
Since your joy is our strength (Neh. 8:10), cause our heart muscle to beat afresh with your gladness—the joy which fills the courts of heaven. Since joy is a fruit of your Spirit, may he weed, prune, and fertilize ours heart for a fresh crop—a bumper crop.
We know better than to hitch our joy-wagon to a COVID vaccine, an election outcome, spousal affection, our kids’ adulation—or anything else but you.
Fill us afresh with the “inexpressible and glorious joy” that comes from belonging to you, Jesus, and knowing you love, cherish, and rejoice in us (1 Pet.1:8–9). Thank you for ceaselessly praying your joy into our hearts (John 17:13). So very Amen we pray, in your trustworthy and triumphant name.