Happy in the Lord
Monday’s Verse:
From Philippians 4:4 ESV
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.”
Yesterday during my sermon, I hinted at today's Bible verse. Happiness can seem like something we need to achieve. Have good health, money, be happy, have people around us like us. These things can all come and go. When St Paul is calling us to be joyful, he's doing so from his prison cell.
As Christians, our joy is not simply being in a happy place. It's the assurance that we are in God’s family. That in Baptism God claimed us. In the forgiveness of our sins, He took away what we cannot take from ourselves. In the Lord's Supper, He gives us Himself.
We don't have to force happiness on ourselves. We can be sad and worried about things. We can take those burdens to the Lord. But we can rejoice through tears because Christ died, Christ rose, and Christ will return. Nothing will take that from us, not even death.
Thank the Lord for the blessings you are touched with today - the food you eat; your friends; the rest you take at some point; and God’s Word. Joy comes to you knowing Jesus is there for you.
✝️ A Prayer for Today
Gracious God, teach us to find our deepest joy not in changing circumstances, but in Your unchanging love. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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