ZPCBlog

About the author: Shannon Purdie is married to James…living a life that is full and amazing. They are Papa and Nana to amazing little humans and are proud members of ZPC. Shannon states, "I am living proof God not only has a great sense of humor but is patient, loving, and kind."

For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5

Who hasn’t made someone angry, gone to bed crying, and thought the relationship, the job, or your whole world was over—hoping that when you woke up in the morning, everything would somehow be better?

That isn’t always the reality when we’re dealing with human relationships. But our God—our Father, our Savior—does not stay angry with us. Thank God for that. Imagine, as a parent, holding a grudge against your child. How would they ever feel loved? How would they ever feel your compassion? How would they learn to deal with people if their parents stayed angry with them forever?

I often see God as my Heavenly Father—which I believe is exactly how he intended it. Having had earthly fathers who weren’t always available to me, it has always been a source of comfort to know that I have a Heavenly Father who chose me, created me, and chooses to love and forgive me every day.

When I looked up the topic of this devotional—joy—I found it interesting that there were two different definitions. The Webster’s Dictionary definition of joy is: “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.”

But the Biblical definition goes deeper: "a deep, lasting inner gladness and spiritual delight, distinct from fleeting happiness; joy that stems from one’s relationship with God, salvation in Jesus, and the indwelling Holy Spirit." It is a joy that enables believers to rejoice even in trials—a gift and fruit of faith, not merely a reaction to circumstances.

How amazing that even though we may not feel happy every day—no? Just me; you’re always happy? Even though not every day brings “worldly happiness,” we can still have joy. And that joy cannot be taken from us based on the events of the day.

I challenge us all during Advent and beyond to help others find the joy of our Lord—that eternal gift that becomes even greater when we share it.

May the joy of the Lord be your strength.
Nehemiah 8:10

Prayer

Lord,
Thank you for this Advent season, the gift of your son, and the joy of eternal life. Guide our steps as we do your work. We ask in the  name of your son,
Amen 

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