Key Bible Verse: We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. … The Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! (Psalm 126:2, 3). Bonus Reading: Isaiah 12:1-6

Years ago I received a phone call on a Saturday morning. "Fil, this is Eric's mom. Can you tell me what happened to him? He's not the same person!"

"I'm not sure I know what you're referring to," I hedged.

"Ever since he came home from that camp, Eric's been a different person. He's so happy and pleasant to be around. Whatever happened, his dad and I want to thank you."

Eric had been a typical high school junior. Most weekends he went out with his buddies, carousing. His grades weren't a priority, his future didn't concern him, and he was a pain for his parents to endure. He was headed for a certain fall when he went to camp with a bunch of his friends and me the summer before his senior year.

During that week, Eric discovered that Jesus is hopelessly in love with him. He was shocked to find that nothing he could ever do would make Jesus love him more. And nothing he ever did would make Jesus love him less. Eric returned home having realized for the first time that the love of Jesus is the most prevailing, magnificent force in the world. It's stronger than every rejection, every failure, tragedy, worry, and hurt.

—Fil Anderson in Running on Empty

My Response: Does joy provide evidence of God's presence in my life?

Adapted from Running on Empty (WaterBrook, 2004) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Teach me, Lord, how to harness Your joy to prevail over contrary circumstances.

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