And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Righteousness and peace are good; necessary and valuable aspects of the life of a child of God but joy, especially in the face of affliction, is evident of all to see. Consistent joy, bubbling out of a believer during a period of loss and/or discouragement is an emotion that the world cannot comprehend. That joy that results from faith in God's goodness, from trust in the truth of His Word, is something that only another believer can value and understand.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 78

Mid-day: 119:137-144

Evening: Psalm 4

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"Voices Together" is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.  A weekly edition, formatted as a bi-fold insert and suitable for distribution can be downloaded at https://www.ailbe.org/resources/item/7251-2016-voices-together-weekly-format. The next edition is available by Thursday of the prior week.