Rest and Reset: A 30-Day Devotional to Revive JoySample

The center of our Joy

Joy is the nucleus that shapes and influences everything in our lives. When hope is delayed, scripture teaches that it makes the heart sick. This sickness can lead to a loss of Joy, increased anxious thoughts, and ultimately a restless soul. When your heart is restless, a desperate urge to run emerges. But when the desire is fulfilled, it becomes a tree of life.

Postponed answers to prayers that you are hoping for can devastate fragile faith. It is a sensitive matter to place a tender desire in the hands of our Sovereign Lord, trusting that He will return it to you, whole and fulfilled. But when your heart has been waiting, hope begins to fade, and so does the capacity we have for joy in the wait. This is especially true when you are experiencing relational conflict and you desperately want the Lord to mend, restore, or save your loved one who has not come to know the Lord as their Savior.

Hagar experienced this friction in Abram and Sarai’s home. She had been their handmaiden, but when the wait for Sarai's pregnancy became too long, she devised her own plan. The Lord had promised to bless Abram, and she had heard the visitors bring the good news. She even laughed, considering her age and the fact that she had not borne children before. However, the promise must have been misunderstood, so she asked Abram to sleep with Hagar. This plan seemed to produce results until Sarai’s joy began to diminish as she watched her desire come to life through her handmaiden, while she lived with the internal void of barrenness.

One day, Hagar could no longer bear the turmoil caused by Sarai’s harshness toward her, so she ran away. She left the comfort of their home to escape to another land that might not have promised provision, but at least she would find peace. However, she was met by an angel, who commanded her to return. Despite the harsh treatment she and her son faced, God gave them a promise to multiply.

Sometimes, you search for lasting joy in the wrong place. You seek validation or acceptance from a relationship rather than from the Lord Himself. At times, you may have to endure complicated relationships. But focusing on seeking the Lord daily for guidance on how to communicate in a way that promotes peace. The state of that relationship should not determine how much joy you feel.

The Lord must be the center from which your joy flows. He understands the desires of your heart and hears your prayers for peace. If it doesn't come in this season, will you challenge yourself to return to the joy and grace already prepared for this time in your life?

Sometimes, running away won't fix things, but leaning into God’s righteous right hand—trusting Him to teach you how to bear fruit in seasons of extended suffering—will. Wait patiently. Don’t stop praying. Rely on the Lord to reset and recalibrate your perspective. Something beautiful awaits on the other side—a tree of life. Lord, in thy presence is fullness of joy; may the foundation of my delight be found in you and you alone.

Be encouraged.