Parents and Kids Daily Devotional "First Things First"Sample

What is joy? Joy is the work of the Holy Spirit who lives and remains in our hearts. Pure joy is the work of Christ in our lives. (Bonnarty Steven, 2018)

We often equate happiness and joy, but they are very different. Joy comes from within us as a result of the work of the Holy Spirit and is not affected by the conditions or situations around us. Joy will always remain within us as Jesus abides in us. In contrast, happiness is strongly influenced or related to external factors.

Because joy is the work and fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives, the more intimate we are with Him, the more fruit will be produced in our lives, including joy. Remember that the Lord Jesus is the source of the greatest joy in our lives. He promises never to leave nor forsake us, so there is nothing for us to fear!

Devotion for Parents
We can’t control everything that takes place in our lives. Bad things can still happen even when we have taken all the necessary precautions. Happiness can easily evaporate into thin air.

But think about it – amid all the chaos and unfavorable conditions, does God love us less? Does He leave us? If we look a little further, He is always there to strengthen and comfort us, even on our darkest day. That’s what true joy is.

Devotion for Kids
How is it possible to remain joyful when bad things happen in our lives? It sounds difficult! Almost impossible.

Hear me out.

Bad things can make you cry. And it is okay to cry. But then, pause for a bit and remember the good things God has done in your life. Write them down and compare your list to the problems that you face. Which one goes longer?

Then, you can finally understand what true joy is.

Family Devotion Time
Was there anything bad that happened last year that affected the whole family?

What did God do to help you overcome that particular problem?