The Joy of the Lord
National Lutheran Schools Week
January 25, 2026 8:00 am
Scripture
Psalm 98:1-9
Meditation
There was a song a number of years ago with the title, “Don’t worry, be happy.” While that’s a great thought, leaving the worries of this world behind is easier said than done. Often, the cares of this world outweigh our happiness. Happiness is situational, circumstantial, and temporary at best.
As Christians, we are to be filled with the “Joy of the Lord”. Joy is so much more than just being happy. Jesus is the source of our true and lasting joy. Through Him, we have every reason to celebrate – His creation, in our worship, and in service to those whom God places along our path. Because of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2), we have the joy of our salvation.
Prayer
Dearest Jesus, You are the sinless Lamb of God. You alone are perfect and blameless, yet You willingly came into our dark world of sin. Though we have tried to carry the weight of our sin, it is too heavy, and we collapse under its weight. We thank You for the joy You died to bring. By Your death and resurrection, You grant us our salvation. You are where our true joy is found. Bless us today and be our Joy.