stephen R Harrison

JOY 365: Day 20

Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. – Luke 1:58

My morning was full of meetings, five to be exact. After a couple of afternoon meetings, I took food to someone recovering from surgery. Before I left home this morning, I prayed, “God, help me discover reasons to rejoice with everyone I meet with today.” While some of those I met or talked with were facing tough situations, there were many reasons to rejoice. I rejoiced with one about God’s protection and wisdom. I rejoiced with another about God’s provision. With someone else, I rejoiced concerning an answered prayer. Other reasons for rejoicing were God’s healing, overcoming loneliness, and discovering spiritual gifts. In all, I counted almost a dozen people with whom I shared the joy of the Lord today!

All these reasons to rejoice reminded me of a verse I read while preparing for Christmas sermons. Jesus was miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit and born to the virgin Mary. What a reason to celebrate! The long-awaited Savior had come! Another miracle happened a few months before. Zechariah and Elizabeth also had a baby, John the Baptist. Now, every baby is a miraculous creation by God, but the Lord had shown them “great mercy” (Luke 1:58) as “they were childless and unable to conceive as they were both very old” (1:7). When John was born, their neighbors and relatives heard what the Lord had done, and “shared their joy” (1:58). They had seen His great mercy at work. If we take the time to notice, we will witness God at work in others. The joy of the Lord is to be shared among believers! 

How have you seen God at work in the lives of others? Have you stopped to rejoice with them?