January 1
"And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost’.”
(Luke 15:6)
Have you ever lost something so valuable that, when you found it, you just had to tell someone? When most people begin to experience their new life of sobriety, a unique kind of joy starts to build within them. As the pressure of happiness and newfound freedom in Christ grows, their joy becomes complete, overflowing with love toward others.
Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. He is willing to leave the ninety-nine to find the one sheep that is lost. And when He finds it, there is so much joy within Him that He calls those closest to Him to rejoice and celebrate! You are that sheep He has found!
The next verse is telling: “I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance” (Luke 15:8). Just as you felt compelled to share your joy after finding something valuable, the heavenly hosts share in the joy of Christ over you!
Can you think of a time when you experienced so much joy that you had to tell someone? What did it feel like when you first began to experience hope after a life of struggles?
Thank You, God, for seeking after me and finding me. I was lost, but now I am found, and it is only because of Your love for me. I pray that my heart may be full and that I may have so much joy in You that it overflows with love for others. Amen.
Redemptive Recovery
Redemptive Recovery (RR) is a Christian recovery group and program that is modeled on biblical truths. We believe that Jesus Christ has the power to transform our lives and that the bible is our roadmap. RR meets weekly and is for anyone currently navigating the challenges of addiction and also those that are further along in their recovery.
Visit www.redemptiverecovery.org for more information.