Devotion 1/7, God abide with me
You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 1:6
This wonderful body of believers in Thessalonica were a strong group of godly people! Even though they were under great persecution and the threat of death for claiming and serving Christ, they continued to be such a voice for Him that it was known far and wide in the region. They were fully in tune with the Holy Spirit that was indwelling them and were even joyful despite the tremendous suffering that they were enduring.
No doubt about it, the church at Thessalonica was on fire for Christ!
Our joy should not be dependent upon our earthly circumstances. Instead, our joy should be rooted our joy of our Savior’s example, his abiding presence through the Holy Spirit, and his promised salvation.
Father, please make my joy immune to outward circumstances. Please empower that joy through your Holy Spirit abiding in me. Please bless and empower me as I seek to conform my life and attitude to the example of my Savior. Please help me become a better example of spiritual joy to those around me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
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