Lent Devotional: RestoreSample

Restore: God is restoring my joy Joy is a fruit of the spirit. True joy is not something we can have outside of the Holy Spirit’s work within us. Joy is not the same as happiness, which depends on external circumstances; joy is a deep and abiding sense that comes only as we see more of who Jesus is and can begin to trust him in all circumstances. We are told many times in scripture to rejoice always – to rejoice at all times. Even times of suffering? Times of pain, rejection and deep sorrow? Yes, at all times. In our work around the world we see people facing incredibly difficult situations. There is a desperate need for joy to be restored and the gospel offers that possibility. I remember the singing and dancing of a small congregation in a remote village in the Democratic Republic of Congo – a conflict-ridden nation full of pain and poverty, and yet here were people whose joy spilled over. Lord Jesus, you endured the cross and you did it for the joy of bringing many to glory. Thank you that I can rejoice at all times because I know you and the love you’ve poured out for me. May many all over the world come to know the joy that enables them to sing, even in the midst of pain. Amen. Cheryl Bannatyne, Tearfund