Isaiah 41:10 – Where Is Joy?

Daily Devotional Bible Verse

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

The Christmas season is often associated with “Joy.” The hustle and bustle of preparations and social gatherings can be elevating for many. Serving others, gift giving, visiting relatives, and baking sweet treats bring smiles to many faces every year. Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace direct our Advent reflections. “Joy To The World, The Lord Is Come”—what’s not to be joyful about, right?

For many individuals, Christmas is quite the opposite this year. You or someone you know may be searching for joy right now. Perhaps you have lost a loved one. Maybe a job recently ended and funds are tight. Your marriage may be dissolving. You might be facing a future full of intimidating, unknown circumstances. Whatever the reason(s), life’s unfairness has occurred and left behind hearts that are hardly joyful.

It can be difficult to celebrate the birth of our Savior when you feel you have been forsaken and each day is a struggle. Even Jesus felt forsaken at the cross when he cried out to God. However, please remember you have not been forgotten, and you indeed have reason to be joyful this year. In Isaiah 41:10, God says, “So do not fear, for I am with you,” and He will always be with you regardless of life’s conditions.

“Do not be dismayed. I will strengthen you and help you.” How comforting that there is a powerful God who understands our every emotion? How reassuring that He loves us when we are strong AND when we are weak. How uplifting to realize we are never alone in our lackluster joy. There is a powerful One who is giving us the strength to keep moving.

If your joy is missing when it seems everyone else’s showed up to the Christmas party this season, consider Isaiah 41:10. No, it’s not part of the story of Jesus’ birth. However, it may be part of your story this particular year. Read Isaiah 41:10 every day if needed. Share it with a friend who may be struggling. There is joy just in knowing you are not alone. You have help and strength. Talk to Him.

Guest devotion by Cindy Code. Cindy is a 39 year old physician turned stay-at-home mom. Writing devotions has been laid on her heart for some time, and she is just now overcoming her hesitancy to actually do it. Learn how you can become a guest writer.