Today I offer an advent prayer of joy in Christ. It’s a challenge (or impossibility) to find a deep sense of joy from this world, since there is so much brokenness (due to our sin). True joy (which is deep-rooted, not a surface happiness) can only be found in God. Let’s strive to have deep, meaningful relationships with God, so we can experience the joy of the Lord in every season, not just this time of year.
Father God, our Glorious King and Everlasting Lord, You alone are our source of true love, joy, peace, and hope. This world is full of great trials and struggles, yet You encourage us to be filled with patience and joy, and remain constant in prayer, despite the world’s brokenness. Until we knew You as Lord, we lacked everything, including joy; may we now align our hearts to Yours, and ask in accordance with Your will, so we can be full of joy. Our primary experience right now is sorrow and pain, yet when we see You face to face, our hearts will overflow with joy that nobody will be able to steal from us. You promise to make know to us the path of life, so in Your presence we may experience the fullness of joy, and pleasures forever more. Though we do not see You physically, we know You are with us through Your Holy Spirit, which fills us with inexpressible joy and love. Through that which Your Spirit brings, we get a glimpse of Your kingdom on earth and Your future kingdom in Heaven. Despite our circumstances, may we not be inconsolably grieved, for Your joy is our strength and our hope is secured in Jesus. Until we meet face to face may we always rejoice in You and Your promises, be filled with the power of hope through Your Spirit, and overflow with the love and joy that come from You, our God of Hope. Amen.
[Inspired by: Jas 1:2, Rm 12:12, Jn 16:24, Jn 16:22, Psa 16:11, Jn 15:11, 1 Pt 1:8, Rm 14:17, Ne 8:10, Php 4:4, Rm 15:13]
~ Conqueror in Training