The biggest joy - 24 January 2025

To me, this is one of the most cheerful verses in the Bible. We see a man walking around and then, suddenly, he started to jump for joy. He is like someone who received a very wonderful gift, which is exactly what happened. He got one of the most precious gifts anyone could ever wish for when he was healed instantly.

The Bible gives us a beautiful description of the scene. The beggar started by getting up, then when he realised that he was able to stand on his feet for the first time in his life, he started to test this new experience by walking around and when the full reality hit him, he literally started to jump for joy. Then his lips joined in the joy and he started to praise God. All he was expecting that morning was a small gift from Peter and John, but God blessed him with a gift worth more than anything he could have dreamt about.

What are your expectations for the new year? Maybe, the same as last year? The past year has been fairly good to me, so if this year will be the same, I have nothing to complain about. Is it correct to be only satisfied about how things worked out for me the past year, or should I be looking forward to something completely new that God wants to give me? Maybe there will be something on my way that will make me jump for joy while praising God.

I should not actually wonder about such a possibility. If I am open to the working of the Holy Spirit in my life, God will surely bless me spiritually this year, to the point that I will not be able to stop praising him. The lame man at the Beautiful Gate was looking for a small gift, but received the gift of a new life. We do not have to wonder about the gift from God if we keep our eyes on him every day. He wants to give the gift of eternal life to everyone who wants it.

Prayer: Lord, sometimes it feels as if life is a heavy burden. Please help us in such circumstances to experience that you always open new doors for us, so that we may have boundless joy. Amen