Wednesday, August 6, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Mark 3

How do we distinguish between happiness and joy? I think we often confuse the two. 

Happiness is situational. Joy is deep, unshakable contentment. 

Happiness depends on circumstances. Joy, for me, comes from the certainty of my inheritance as a child of God.

We have a Heavenly Father who loves us, a Brother who died to free us from the bondage of our sin, and a Spirit who lives in us to remind us of all of that. 

I find joy in that truth, whether things in my world are hitting on all cylinders, or I’ve just had a close encounter with a cement parking lot post! I definitely wasn’t happy with the thousands of dollars in damage, but I found joy in the fact that no one was hurt, and my truck was still drivable. 

Just last year, my word focus was “joy,” and these were my supporting verses:

Habakkuk 3:17-19
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord!

I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.

When God is the source of light in our lives, we can be content and joyful in all circumstances. But we can’t live IN and FROM God’s light without learning who he is. 

1 John 1:7
But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

Spending time with God in Scripture reading, prayer, journaling, or participating in a Group with other Jesus followers are all ways we become more personally connected to God. As we begin to understand his heart for us, his will shapes us and molds us into the people he created us to be. We become more alive and attuned to his voice as we invite him to guide and direct our paths. 

Walking with Jesus in his light gives us the freedom to flourish, regardless of our circumstances.

Questions: 
Do you have any verses of Scripture written on a card (or in your heart) to remind you of who God is, how much he loves you, or who he says you are? 

Do you regularly spend time with God to learn more about him?

Next Steps: 
Search for Bible verses that apply to your current situation. When you find the one you like, write it down on an index card and carry it with you until you have it memorized. Then do another one. Writing God’s Word on your heart through scripture memory is one of the best ways to let the truth of God’s Word take hold of your heart.

Prayer: 21 Days of Prayer - Day 3
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you with a grateful heart for your love and grace. I pray for the life-giving message of Jesus to spread throughout our nation, and for the power of your Holy Spirit to convict and transform hearts. I pray in each community, people would turn to you for direction and answers, and seek your will and wisdom in every situation. May they know you as their Lord, savior, healer, and provider, and experience your love, peace, and joy in their lives. I ask this in the name of Jesus, who died for our sins and rose again to give us hope. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Psalm 16:11
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

This post was written by Lauri White, an Oregon attendee, and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.