Day 240, Year 1

Joy from Humbleness

“The humble also shall increase their joy in the LORD, And the poor among men shall rejoice In the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 29:19 NKJV)

Why are those poor in spirit joyful? Why are they able to enter the kingdom of heaven? It is because of the work of the Holy One of Israel, or Jesus, in the New Testament. “Humble,” ‘anav in Hebrew, as mentioned previously, here also means “poor, needy, weak and afflicted, lowly, or meek.” These conditions certainly do not make people happy. But when the Holy One of Lord Israel appears, these people have reasons to be joyful. This could be done in the following ways.

First, the presence of the Lord Jesus freed people from poverty and suffering. During the three years of Jesus’ public ministry, a significant number of people were healed and delivered by His words and touchings, and even fed through His miracles. These joys were because the Lord had done great things for them. And God’s people will naturally rejoice and be happy when their troubles are lifted with His help.

Second, Jesus’s presence might not actually alleviate people’s poverty, but those people were happy because of His presence. Some, such as Simeon, a humble person, seeing the infant Jesus in the temple, was satisfied and could let himself depart the world in peace (Luke 2:28-29). He rejoiced when he saw baby Jesus and knew that the Father God had given the Savior to the Israelites.

Third, we believers can adjust the basis of our happiness and unhappiness. Following up on the previous devotionals, the humble and poor can rejoice in God’s presence, whether their problems are solved or not. Some people believe in Jesus only for receiving benefits. They only believe in Jesus when it is advantageous; otherwise, they do not. In this way, their god is the “benefits” they seek, whereas their faith in Jesus is secondary, or even a false faith. This is because they do not view Jesus as their Lord, but as their servant. If they think of Jesus as their servant, how can they truly believe in Him?

Anyway, it is certainly joyful for us when predicaments are alleviated. However, if that is all the poor seek, it will be difficult for them to find lasting joy in God’s presence. Contrarily, humble people focus on God, and we are joyful in His presence. Hence, we are able to transcend our feelings and worldly perspectives with the power of His presence. Both the godly humble and the poor find joy in God. Will you be one of them?

Reflection questions:

1) In what way can you go beyond hardships or poverty and rejoice solely due to the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ?

2) How do you think you can avoid seeing the Lord Jesus as your servant when you seek His help?