Tuesday, August 5, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Mark 2

JOY! Just what is it, really? 

I remember when I was a kid, we would sing “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart” in Sunday School. We also learned the word J.O.Y. could be an acronym for “Jesus first, Yourself last, and Others in between.” 

Throughout my life, I have struggled to understand what true joy is. Is it overwhelming happiness, the feeling of love, or maybe, having everything you ever wanted? Maybe those things are true in the physical sense of joy, but I have since learned that honest, true joy can only be found in Jesus.

The truth is earthly joy is always temporary, but spiritual joy is eternal. Living a strong spiritual life is the one true path to real joy. 

So, real joy is just about praying more, reading the Bible more, and going to church regularly, right? Not exactly. 

While all those things are good, we cannot have a true spiritual life without Jesus. He promises a rich and full life to those who follow him. Yet, many of us hesitate to trust him. We falsely believe that following Jesus would be a “buzz kill” - too many rules, no fun, and a boring life.

John 8:12
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

If you don’t have Christ in your life, you are living in darkness, totally blind. Jesus is the light, and his light helps us see clearly. Whatever is holding you back from truly following Jesus, know this: life with Jesus is abundant. Maybe it won’t be abundant in material things, but you will find neverending assurance, peace, and a deep joy that surpasses all understanding.

Is having a strong spiritual life with Jesus a ticket to an easy road here on earth? No, but it is a 100% guarantee that whatever life may bring, you have the power in Christ, through the Holy Spirit living inside you, to get through it. 

And to me, that is true JOY.

Questions: 
What is keeping you from experiencing the joy of Jesus?

Has your spiritual walk with Jesus been a life-changing experience, or are you just going through the motions?

Next Steps: 
Examine ways you can draw closer to Jesus. Prayer and Bible reading are helpful, but many followers of Jesus feel closest to him when they serve others. 

Look for ways you can serve in your local church or neighborhood.

Prayer: 21 Days of Prayer - Day 2
Dear God, today, we lift up each city in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. We come to you asking to see lives healed, people drawn to Christ, and your Spirit poured out in our communities. We humble ourselves, seek your face, and turn away from anything that draws us away from you, believing that you will heal families, communities, and people’s hearts. Lord, give us the wisdom necessary to unite us, and lead us in the days ahead so our cities can be a light to our nation and a testament to you, the only one who saves. We pray this in Jesus’ name, 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 Ned Miller, a Findlay attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.