Childhood memories of my dad are filled with the smell of smoke and his determination. As a first responder, he and his fellow firefighters fought to save lives and property. However, learning about my father’s everyday heroics helped me to see my Heavenly Father’s heroism for us all.

Far more than my dad enjoyed being a rescuer, God has the overwhelming joy of being our Creator and Redeemer. With each phase of His creation, He declared it was “very good” (Genesis 1:31 NLT). “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes” (Ephesians 1:4 NLT).

His grace and His purpose continue, whether we have childhood memories we cherish or memories we’d rather forget. In our joyless moments, we may pray to Him, ask questions of Him or struggle to walk by faith. Yet, when we feel the heat of circumstances, God makes us this promise: “When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you” (Isaiah 43:2 NLT).  

My father passed away years ago. However, his legacy gives me another glimpse of the Father’s overwhelming joy. For Dad, coming home from work meant more than a break from a long day. There was a daddy-daughter ritual he had to complete.

As he came through the door, he’d clap three times. This was my signal to run and jump into his arms for a daddy-daughter twirl. As Dad lifted me, I smelled the smoke of his latest victory. His laughter echoed his joy. Dad was always glad to see my siblings and me because we are his.

Our Heavenly Father has a way of expressing how He feels about His children too. “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs” (Zephaniah 3:17 NLT).

Even as we adapt to life’s changes, God’s presence remains. With gladness, He cares for us and calms our fears. The joyful lyrics of His love invite us to realize His grace, rely on His truth and rest in His power. Every soul stands in need of His rescue.

In this moment, imagine twirling with the Father. He lifts us from the pit of despair and frees us from the snare of the enemy. (Psalm 40:1-3 and Psalm 91:2-4) His overwhelming love goes beyond our understanding. May His overflowing joy cause us to rejoice in all He has done.

Reflect & Relate 

Can you smell the smoke of God’s latest victory in your life?  In the time of trouble, He is always our First Responder. (see Psalm 46:1)

Let Us Pray

Father God, thank You for being the Mighty Savior who lives among us. Whenever trouble appears, You are my First Responder. Help me to hear the melody of victory You sing over me. As I realize Your love, rely on Your truth and rest in Your power, may Your overflowing joy be my enduring strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.

About Our Guest Blogger

Joy A. Williams is an author and blogger who is surprised her first name became her life’s mission. For over 20 years, she’s taught small-group Bible studies and spoken at Women’s retreats and conferences. On her blog she encourages sincere or sidetracked truth seekers with “hope for the heart and joy to the soul.”  Most days a cup of tea sits near her laptop, as inspirations float through her mind and onto a keyboard. It all takes place in North Carolina, where she enjoys life with her husband Brady and their son.

You can connect with her on joyawilliams.com or on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Sign-up on Joy’s blog and receive a free PDF of “5 Ways to Keep Your Joy (or Find It), Whatever Happens…” or read her 7-Day Devotional, “Live Your Joy Story” here.