Friday, September 5, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 5

What makes you feel unsteady or unsure? It could be a fear of failure, past rejection, unmet expectations, or simply the unknown.

These shaky moments not only impact our everyday life, they often infiltrate our faith journey as well. We begin to wonder if we're enough, if God really sees us, or if joy is something we'll ever truly experience.

If you're feeling that way, I encourage you to stop right where you are and remember whose you are. When we are in a relationship with Jesus, it changes everything, and it redefines our source of joy.

Absolute joy - the deep, unshakeable kind of joy - is rooted in God's presence, not in our performance or the outcome of our plans.

When we see ourselves as the chosen, loved, and redeemed person who Jesus sees, it brings with it empowerment and a new kind of strength. The storms may come, but they no longer define the status of our joy. The disappointments may sting, but they can't shake the foundation of who you are in Christ.

Paul reminds us of this truth in Philippians 4:4: "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice!"

Notice that he says joy comes in the Lord, not in perfect circumstances. Even though Paul wrote this letter from prison to the Church in Philippi, he found unshakable joy because of his relationship with Christ.

Recently, I've been listening to Josiah Queen's new song, "Can't Steal My Joy." I don't know what Josiah or the writers were going through when they wrote this song, but there are a few verses in the lyrics that fit so well with all we've been learning in the Unshakeable Joy series:

"What the world couldn't give, no, it can't take away

Sorrow may come, but it can't steal my joy

Can't steal my joy

In the high highs, in the low lows

You fill my cup, You fill it up until it overflows

I remember, I'll keep holding onto hope

'Cause you're the King of rolling stones"

Take a moment today to remember your true identity according to Jesus. Speak it over your life, stand steadied in it, and build a deeply rooted relationship with him. Because when you know who you are in him, you'll find joy that fills your cup until it overflows and is unshakeable! 

Questions: 
Ask yourself: Where am I seeking confidence? Is it in my success, my relationships, or the approval of others? Or is it in the unchanging truth of who I am in Christ?

Next Steps: 

Take a few quiet moments to reflect on what it means that you belong to Jesus. Research, look back on past LivingItOut devotionals, and find scripture that reminds you of your identity in him and then write it down. Place it somewhere you will see it and commit it to memory. Because the world will try to steal your joy, but if you remain rooted in the truth, you will remain steadied! 

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for choosing me, and for giving me a place to belong to your family. Help me to live today with that confidence and joy. I love you, I trust you, and I worship you. Amen. 

Series Theme Verse:
Psalm 16:11
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content for the Daily LivingItOut.