August 10 - Joy in Doing What’s Right

AUGUST 10 - Joy in Doing What’s Right3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 21:15–16; Psalm 92; Philemon 1//3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon//________________________________________“When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. One who wanders from the way of good sense will rest in the assembly of the dead.” — Proverbs 21:15–16 (ESV)“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night.” — Psalm 92:1–2 (ESV)“Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.” — Philemon 1:20 (ESV)________________________________________Have you ever felt that doing the right thing is harder than just going along with everyone else? Maybe it’s standing up for someone being bullied or refusing to cheat when others are. Proverbs 21 tells us that doing what’s right brings joy, while ignoring God’s way leads to emptiness. Psalm 92 reminds us that living with gratitude—thanking God morning and night—fills our hearts with praise instead of pressure. And in Philemon 1, Paul asks a friend to do something challenging but good, knowing it will “refresh” hearts and honor Christ.Living for what’s right isn’t always easy, but it brings peace and joy that shortcuts or compromises never will. Every time you choose honesty, kindness, or forgiveness, you’re planting seeds of gratitude and hope—not just for yourself, but for others watching your life.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. The Joy of Justice: How have you seen doing the right thing bring peace or joy into a situation (Proverbs 21:15)?2. Gratitude Habit: What are practical ways you can start or end your day with thankfulness, like Psalm 92:1–2 says?3. Refreshing Others: How can your choices and actions encourage or “refresh” someone else’s faith this week (Philemon 1:20)?________________________________________BOTTOM LINEChoosing what’s right, living with gratitude, and encouraging others brings joy to your life and honors God in the process.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for showing me the joy and peace that come from living Your way. Help me to choose what’s right even when it’s hard, to live each day with gratitude, and to use my life to refresh and encourage others. Teach me to honor You in my words, actions, and attitudes. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.