3 Day Devotional: Joy Prepares the Way - Day 1

Scripture Reading
Luke 1:13–14 (NIV)
But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife
Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you,
and many will rejoice because of his birth.”

Luke 1:41, 44 (NIV)
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled
with the Holy Spirit.
As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

Devotional Reflection
Before John ever preached a sermon, baptized a crowd, or called a nation to repentance, joy was spoken over his life. Joy wasn’t something John achieved — it was something God declared.

The angel did not say John might bring joy. He said John will be a joy. That tells us something
important: joy begins with God’s word, not our circumstances. Joy is not a reaction to how life
turns out. Joy is rooted in what God has already said.

Even before John was born, he responded to the presence of Jesus. When Mary entered the room carrying Christ, John leaped for joy. Joy recognized Jesus before John ever understood his assignment. This reminds us that joy doesn’t wait until everything makes sense.
If God spoke joy over your life, then no season, no disappointment, and no delay gets to cancel it. Joy starts the story because God starts the story.

Reflection Questions
 Where have you allowed circumstances to speak louder than what God has said?
 What would it look like to guard the joy God has already spoken over you?
 How might joy be inviting you to recognize God’s presence today?

Prayer
God, thank You that joy begins with You. Help me remember what You have spoken over my life and not surrender my joy to circumstances or people. Let joy rise in me again — not because everything is perfect, but because You are present. Amen.