Read Luke 1:39-45

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 NLT).

There’s something special about revisiting beloved stories and characters that have touched our hearts. Back in June, my family and I had the pleasure of seeing Inside Out 2, which brought back fond memories of the original Inside Out. These emotionally intelligent films offer profound insights into the complexities of our feelings, making them accessible and relatable to viewers of all ages

Both Inside Out and its sequel beautifully illustrate that joy is not merely the absence of sadness, but is often found in the interplay of all our emotions. This interplay of emotions mirrors the rich tapestry of feelings we encounter in the story of Mary and Elizabeth in Luke 1:39-45. When Mary visits Elizabeth, we witness a moment of pure, unbridled joy. The Scripture tells us, “At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 1:41, NLT). This joyful response wasn’t just Elizabeth’s alone—even the unborn John the Baptist participated in this moment of celebration.

Elizabeth’s reaction is particularly striking: “Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, ‘God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed'” (Luke 1:42, NLT). Her words overflow with joy and wonder at the miraculous events unfolding around them. This scene reminds us that joy can be found even in unexpected and challenging circumstances.

Mary and Elizabeth’s story is a testament to the joy that comes from faith and trust in God’s promises. Despite the potential for social shame and uncertainty, both women embrace their roles in God’s plan with joy. Elizabeth’s greeting to Mary, “You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said” (Luke 1:45, NLT), highlights the joy that comes from faith and obedience.

Similarly, in Philippians 4:4, Paul urges us to “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” (NLT). This verse reminds us that our joy is rooted in our relationship with God, not in our external circumstances. Just as Joy in Inside Out learns to appreciate the other emotions, we too can find joy in the midst of life’s complexities by trusting in God’s plan for us.

Inside Out 2 introduces new emotions like Envy, Embarrassment, Ennui, and Anxiety, reflecting the more complex emotional landscape of adolescence. These new characters remind us that as we grow, our emotional experiences become richer and more nuanced. Yet, even in the midst of these new challenges, the foundational truth remains: joy is a gift from God that transcends our circumstances.

As we reflect on the joy of Mary and Elizabeth, let us also remember that our joy is not dependent on our situation but on our faith in God’s promises. Just as the characters in Inside Out learn to embrace all their emotions, we too can embrace the full spectrum of our emotional experiences, knowing that God is with us through it all.

In our daily lives, we often encounter situations that challenge our joy. We may face disappointments, setbacks, or moments of doubt. However, the story of Mary and Elizabeth, along with the insights from Inside Out, teach us that joy can coexist with other emotions. It’s not about suppressing our feelings of sadness, fear, or anger, but rather allowing joy to permeate all aspects of our emotional life.

Consider how you might cultivate joy in your own life, even in the midst of challenges. Perhaps it’s through daily gratitude practices, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones. Remember that joy is not just a fleeting emotion, but a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) that grows as we deepen our relationship with God.

As we navigate the complexities of our emotional lives, let’s take inspiration from Mary and Elizabeth’s example. They chose to rejoice in God’s promises, even when faced with uncertain futures. Their story encourages us to trust in God’s plan, finding joy not in perfect circumstances, but in the perfect love of our Creator.

In doing so, we might find that our joy, like John the Baptist in Elizabeth’s womb, leaps within us, testifying to the goodness and faithfulness of our God. May we, like Mary and Elizabeth, be bearers of joy in a world that desperately needs it, always remembering to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4, NLT).

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Joy is found not in the absence of challenges but in the presence of God.

PRAYER
Lord, help us to find joy in You, regardless of our circumstances. May our hearts leap with gladness at Your presence. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI.