Joy That Moves Your Feet and Opens Your Mouth
“Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” - Luke 2:15
Joy never leaves us unchanged. When the shepherds hear the announcement, they do not stay where they are. They move. Joy pulls them out of passivity and into obedience. There is no hesitation, no delay, no negotiation. They go straight to see what God has revealed.
This matters because we often confuse joy with a feeling rather than a response. We assume joy is proven by emotion, when Scripture shows it is revealed through action. Real joy listens to God and moves toward Him.
The shepherds do not wait for certainty beyond what God has already spoken. They act on what they know. Obedience does not create truth. It confirms trust. God’s Word proves faithful when it is trusted enough to be followed.
And when they see the child, joy does something else. It opens their mouths. They speak of what they have seen and heard. They do not have credentials, training, or polished words. They simply testify. Encounter leads to witness.
Joy that comes from Christ cannot be contained. It moves us toward obedience and outward toward others. Silence becomes difficult because gratitude overflows into declaration. Not because we are compelled by duty, but because joy demands expression.
If joy has stalled, it may be because obedience has been delayed. God often strengthens joy as we respond to what He has already revealed.
Reflection Question
What step of obedience or testimony might God be inviting you to take that you have been postponing?
Joy listens, moves, and speaks because it has encountered Christ.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for revealing Yourself to me. Forgive me for the ways I delay obedience while waiting to feel more comfortable. Give me courage to take the next faithful step You are calling me to take. Let my joy move me toward You and outward toward others. Amen.
Joy never leaves us unchanged. When the shepherds hear the announcement, they do not stay where they are. They move. Joy pulls them out of passivity and into obedience. There is no hesitation, no delay, no negotiation. They go straight to see what God has revealed.
This matters because we often confuse joy with a feeling rather than a response. We assume joy is proven by emotion, when Scripture shows it is revealed through action. Real joy listens to God and moves toward Him.
The shepherds do not wait for certainty beyond what God has already spoken. They act on what they know. Obedience does not create truth. It confirms trust. God’s Word proves faithful when it is trusted enough to be followed.
And when they see the child, joy does something else. It opens their mouths. They speak of what they have seen and heard. They do not have credentials, training, or polished words. They simply testify. Encounter leads to witness.
Joy that comes from Christ cannot be contained. It moves us toward obedience and outward toward others. Silence becomes difficult because gratitude overflows into declaration. Not because we are compelled by duty, but because joy demands expression.
If joy has stalled, it may be because obedience has been delayed. God often strengthens joy as we respond to what He has already revealed.
Reflection Question
What step of obedience or testimony might God be inviting you to take that you have been postponing?
Joy listens, moves, and speaks because it has encountered Christ.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for revealing Yourself to me. Forgive me for the ways I delay obedience while waiting to feel more comfortable. Give me courage to take the next faithful step You are calling me to take. Let my joy move me toward You and outward toward others. Amen.
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