It often happens that we are overcome by difficult-to-control emotions. This is especially true when negative emotions, disappointment, and guilt take over. Today, in our Daily Devotional for May 22, let’s reflect on how embracing God’s forgiveness can bring you true joy.
Daily Devotional for May 22
“Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” – John 16:24 (NIV)
Joy Through Forgiveness
Letting your feelings dictate your decisions is easy, but you don’t have to live that way.
You have the free will to choose to believe God’s Word over your emotions. When you start living by the Word of God and what you know through Him rather than how you feel, your feelings will eventually align with His truth.
This transformation leads to a more profound, more consistent joy through forgiveness.
Guilt often steals years away. Even after I repented, asked God for forgiveness, went to confession, and believed that He had forgiven me, I still felt guilty. I carried this burden everywhere, convinced that feeling bad about my behavior made me more spiritual.
God doesn’t want you to live that way.
Embracing God’s Forgiveness
Every morning, I would dwell on my problems or mistakes during prayer time.
The Bible tells us to ask and receive so that our joy may be full. While I was good at asking for forgiveness, I rarely took the time to receive it. It’s crucial that when you ask God to forgive your sins, you also take a moment to say, “I receive Your forgiveness right now.”
This step is essential for experiencing joy through forgiveness.
Think about it: maybe you spend more time with your sins than with God. Do you think more about what you’ve done wrong than what He has done right? Remember, where sin abounds, grace and forgiveness abound even more.
Receiving and Rejoicing
When you pray to God today, ask Him to forgive you for whatever you need forgiveness for. But don’t stop there. Receive His forgiveness and trust in His grace as you joyfully embrace what He has for you.
This act of receiving opens your heart to the fullness of joy that comes through forgiveness.
By shifting your focus from your sins to God’s grace, you allow His forgiveness to bring you true joy. This joy through forgiveness is transformative, freeing you from guilt and filling your heart with God’s love and peace.
Devotional for every day here: Daily Devotional
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your boundless grace and forgiveness. Help us to live by Your Word and to embrace the joy that comes through Your forgiveness. Teach us to fully receive Your forgiveness and trust in Your grace as we move forward in life. May our hearts be filled with joy as we focus on what You have done for us rather than our past mistakes. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
To You
Reflect on how often you dwell on your mistakes rather than God’s grace. How can you embrace His forgiveness more fully and experience true joy?
My brother, remember that joy through forgiveness is available to you. Receive it, rejoice in it, and let it transform your life. Amen.
