In Search Of Joy | Luke 1:39-45

Do you need some joy? Has it been a while since you experienced real joy? Merry Christmas, I am Vince Miller. Today's text is from Luke 1:39-45. In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." — Luke 1:39-45 This world is overcome with messages that rob us of joy. The problems are so numerous that every day, another message attempts to steal it from us. This Christmas, we don't need news of more conflicts or corruption. We don't need messages of borders, battles, and bickering. We don't need more hateful protests, hate crimes, or to hear something another podcaster hates. Instead, we need to find our way to some real joy. But do we even know what joy is anymore? Joy is a feeling that results from a real experience with God. It happens when our souls suddenly discover a divine truth. It often results in the flesh doing something it would otherwise not—praising, shouting, singing, or leaping. And sometimes, we encounter this joy right in the middle of life's most challenging moments. In the text today, John, only six months into his gestation, experienced a moment of great joy. Jesus entered the room as an embryo, and he recognized it. John leaps for joy in the womb. This brings joy to everyone in the home. Joy is a feeling that results from a real experience with God. You might need some joy today. If you do, turn off all the messages that steal your joy. For a few moments, meditate on a message of great joy. Open the Scripture and listen to your favorite worship song. And remember, it only takes a tiny truth, even an embryo, to fill you and others with great joy. ASK THIS: Reflect on a recent moment when you felt your joy was being overshadowed by the negativity or chaos of the world. How can the story of Mary and Elizabeth help you rediscover joy in God's presence, even in challenging times? Discuss a time when you experienced a sense of joy that felt divinely inspired, similar to John's leap in Elizabeth's womb. What was happening around you at that time, and how did this experience impact your faith and perspective on finding joy in everyday life? DO THIS: Stop doubting and confess belief. PRAY THIS: Father, guide me to rediscover the true joy that comes from Your presence, and help me to turn away from the chaos and negativity of the world to embrace the divine peace and happiness found in Your Word. Amen. PLAY THIS: Joy To The World. Check out other all Vince Miller's videos and audios for small groups at: https://beresolute.org/ Get Vince's most widely read resources The Daily Devotional at: https://beresolute.org/mdd Check out more ALL IN products like the one Vince is wearing at: https://beresolute.org/product-category/all-in-hats/ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Vince socially: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/millervince INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/vinceleemiller LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincemiller TWITTER: https://twitter.com/vinceleemiller