When Joy Overflows

Devotional Reading: “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies” Jeremiah 15:16 NLT.

Achieving a cherished goal or being blissfully surprised by an event may overwhelm us with delight. From a biblical perspective, joy comes to us as we come to God. Joy fills us as we trust in God. It can even overflow as we abide in the Word of God.

By His Word, God spoke creation into existence. With that kind of power, surely Scripture can create an abiding joy in you and me. It caused the Old Testament prophet, Jeremiah, to declare, “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies” (Jeremiah 15:16 NLT).

The delight continues in the New Testament. In John 15, Jesus uses a vineyard analogy to describe the benefit of abiding in Him and His words. He said, “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow” (John 15:11 NLT)!

Knowing Christ as the True Vine helps me to develop a branch mentality. He is the source and my supply for what makes life full and meaningful. As I take in the nutrients of His Word and His love, there is a grace effect. Joy overflows.

Prayer and Confession
Dear God, as I live in the word and make it my precious priority, I thank You for how joy will overflow from Your heart to mine. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Further Reading: Proverbs 4:20-22, John 6:63
Reading The Prophets: Ezekiel 11-16