Give Him Joy

I was reading this devotional today and wanted to share some excerpts from the message. In light of what Jesus has done for us, our desire should be to love and serve Him in such a way as to bring Him gladness and joy. After all, we were created for a relationship with Him and it was never meant to be a one-way street. How many days I have failed Him in that regard over my lifetime, I cannot say, but I have never stopped loving Him. How thankful I am for the rest, hope, and joy He continually brings. My greatest desire is to please Him by the manner in which I live out my faith each day.

”And who are those who enjoy the privilege of making the Savior glad? His church—His people. But is it possible? He makes us glad, but how can we make Him glad? By our love.

When you rest in Him you do not only receive, but you also give Him joy; when you gaze with love upon His beauty, you not only obtain comfort but impart delight.

Our praise also gives Him joy—not the song of the lips alone, but the melody of the heart’s deep gratitude. Our gifts are also very pleasant to Him; He loves to see us lay our time, our talents, our substance upon the altar, not for the value of what we give, but for the sake of the motive from which the gift springs. To Him the lowly offerings of His saints are more acceptable than the thousands of gold and silver.”

From: Make Him Glad with Your Love, Truth For Life Devotional, Alistair Begg

Prayer: Heavenly Father, our desire is to always bring You joy—to make You glad. No doubt, we have failed you many times and we ask Your forgiveness. Help us to always be reminded that it is through Jesus where we find true joy; and that we are equipped by You to share that joy with others. Give us a heart for what breaks Yours and allow us to be a pleasing representative of all that comes from You. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.