Lenten Series: In Need of The Helper
Lent is a liturgical observance and season of reflection; not a biblical mandate. It is simply a time to remind ourselves and appreciate the abundant grace of Christ’s saving work on the cross. It is a time to press in deeper in submission to Christ’s authority as we prepare our hearts to celebrate, with exceedingly great joy, the resurrection that awaits every believer and follower.
In our Lenten daily devotionals, we will focus on our spiritual needs and desires and how the Helper is our Gift for strength and success if we will bow in greater submission to the authority of our King and the terms of His Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit.
Reflection: Joy
Digging for Truth: The gifts of the Spirit are rich with great blessing and truly there is nothing better to offer the Lord than a harvest of spiritual fruit from our lives. However, many people miss the reality that bearing fruit means we choose to grow deeper roots for living according to the commands of God’s love and it requires more and more trust in the Helper. A very misunderstood fruit is joy.
Grace for the Heart: The fruit of Joy is not produced by positive circumstances; although God is wonderfully good to us and his grace toward us will fill us with gratitude and joy. The fruit of Christ’s Joy is produced by the Holy Spirit to help us deal with any circumstance we may be facing. According to Scripture, the early disciples were filled with joy; praise erupting from their lips even though they found themselves flogged, chained in stocks and imprisoned (Acts 16:23-25). The joy of the Helper filled them and carried them through these difficult circumstances and left them singing. No human being would find joy in such treatment, so we know these disciples received supernatural help from the indwelling Spirit of the Lord (John 15:5).
1 Thessalonians 1:6 NLT 6, 7 NLT “So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. 7 As a result, you have become an example to all the believers…”
Challenge: Jesus has pledged to give us his joy; a supernatural impartation for life. “When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” (John 15:10-11). Let us never forget Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before him (Hebrews 12:2). Therefore, you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13).
Prayer: Lord, please help us to stay the course of obedience to your commands of love. Thank you for the work of the Helper to provide for our specific needs. We need your help, joy, and strength. So, please fill us with your joy, today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.