Daily Devotional - Times of Refreshing - WK31 - 7/31/25 - Day 212 - "Live Joyfully"

Author: Evangelist Jamie Hoffman

“Live Joyfully”
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:7

“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.”

Devotion:
Today's scripture comes from the wisdom book of Ecclesiastes. It encourages us to be joyful in the simple things of life, such as a good meal or drink. I believe we can always find something to be grateful for in our lives. God’s goodness is all around us, and we shouldn't take it for granted. The part of today’s scripture that stands out to me is “God has already approved what you do.” When you are walking in obedience to the purpose God has placed in your life, and you have His stamp of approval, then you have a reason to be glad and have a joyful heart. What I love about God is that He is concerned about us entirely, mind, body, and soul. He wants us to be whole, lacking nothing. He doesn’t want us just getting by and surviving, but He wants us to thrive. John 10:10 lets us know Jesus came, that we might have life, and that we may have it more abundantly. Abundantly means there should be an overflow in the life we live that blesses someone else. Ask yourself this morning, am I living abundantly? Am I living joyfully? Or am I just going through the motions? God doesn’t want us to fake it until we make it, God wants us to faith it until we make it trusting Him completely.

Prayer:
Lord, help us seek You and rejoice in Your goodness always. Help us be thankful in ALL things. Allow us to live a life that is overflowing with Your goodness and a blessing to others. Amen.