In the middle of this week-long series on renewal, today we're going to make room for

God to renew our joy.

Joy is something I so often struggle to walk in as I allow the cares and burdens of life

to weigh me down.

But every morning is a new opportunity to come before our Father, give our cares over

to Him and choose again the path of joy.

May God guide us today into a meaningful renewal of joy as we set our eyes and hearts

on Him.

Welcome to the First of Teen podcast.

Your verse for today comes from Psalm 51, verse 12, Scripture says, Restore to me the

joy of your salvation, and uphold me with the willing spirit.

When I think of the word joy, I often picture the unadulterated smile of a child's face.

Children have this ability to have joy simply because they've found the delight of their

parents.

The joy of a child is unlike anything most of us experience as we grow up.

For most of us, true joy has been crowded out by the pressures and cares of responsibility.

Joy becomes contingent upon the circumstances of our lives.

Most of us feel the pressure of finances, work, relationships, and even serving God consistently

to the point that joy is a pursuit we've almost given up on.

The God has a message and a plan for you for a renewal of consistent and unshakable joy.

Let's open our hearts and minds to dive into everything God hasn't stored for us as

we spend time encountering His desire to bring us joy.

...