What Jesus Did! 'Our Source of Joy!' — John 17:13

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

[Jesus continued his prayer:] "Now I am coming to you. I told [my disciples] many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy."
— John 17:13 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus is our source of joy! The apostle Paul said it this way, "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon." [1] From his birth to his resurrection and to his coming again to take us home, the Lord is our source of joy. He has shown us God's great love for us. He has taught us how to live victoriously in a hostile world. He will never forsake us or leave us. [2] He has ensured that death cannot sever us from his love. He has promised that he will return and bring us home with him. [3] Jesus is our source of joy. Like the prophet Nehemiah reminded us so long ago, "The joy of the Lord is your strength!" [4]

[1] Philippians 4:4-5.
[2] Romans 8:38-39.
[3] John 14:2-3.
[4] Nehemiah 8:10b.

Today's Prayer

Father God, sovereign master of all creation, thank you for giving me the one true source of joy that cannot be extinguished or exhausted. Your gift of Jesus has brought me hope, salvation, and JOY! Please receive my undying gratitude for a reason to rejoice even in this earthly life's most painful moments. I pray in the name of Jesus, my source of joy. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

My Prayer
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious Follower, The verses you will read today come from a very emotional time on the night I was betrayed. These verses are My prayer for My..."

Illustration

Illustration of John 17:13 NLT — [Jesus continued his prayer:] "Now I am coming to you. I told [my disciples] many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Isaiah 62:12
"The surpassing grace of God is seen very clearly in that we were not only sought, but sought out. Men seek for a thing which is lost upon the floor of..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'I Can't Take It All In!' (Ps. 139:5-10)
"I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too — your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'The Attitude of Christ' (1 Co. 1:10-13)
"Dear Father, to whom I owe full obedience, Let my attitude be the same as that of Christ Jesus, who made himself nothing and obeyed you, even in the...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Both Heaven and Earth' (Is. 66:1-2)
"This is what the Lord says: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you build me a temple as good as that? Could you build me such...."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!