Welcome to Our Daily Bread. I'm Sheridan Voise, and I've called today's devotion

The Speed of Joy. Go at the Speed of Joy. The phrase dropped into my mind as I

prayerfully considered the year ahead one morning, and it seemed

apt.

I had a propensity to overwork, which often sapped my joy.

So following this guidance, I committed to working at an enjoyable pace in the coming year,

making space for friends and joyful activities.

This plan worked until March. Then I partnered with a university to oversee the

trial of a course I'd been developing. With students to enroll and teaching to deliver, I was

soon working long hours to keep up. How could I go at the speed of joy now? Jesus promises joy to those who believe in him, telling us it comes through

remaining in his love and prayerfully bringing our needs to him. I have told you this so that my

joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete, he says in John 15 verse 11. This joy comes as a gift through the Holy Spirit, who we're to keep in step with.

I found I could only maintain joy during my busy period when I spent time each night in

restful trusting prayer.

Since joy is so important, it makes sense to prioritise it in our schedules.

But since life is never completely under our control,

I'm glad another source of joy, the spirit, is available to us.

For me, going at the speed of joy now means going at the speed of prayer,

making time to receive from the joy giver.

Today's scripture reading is from John chapter 15 verses 9 to 11.

As the father has loved me, so have I loved you.

Now remain in my love.

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