Pastor Stephen Dedman

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬

Question
Where might God be asking you to trust Him in the middle of an interruption?

Context
Joseph had already made a plan. It was careful, lawful, and compassionate. Then God interrupted it. In a dream, the angel revealed that what looked like a problem was actually a promise unfolding. God stepped into Joseph’s confusion not to scold him, but to guide him.

Application
God often brings joy through interruption. What feels like a disruption may be divine direction. Joseph’s fear did not disqualify him. God met him right there and spoke peace into his uncertainty.

Joy grows when we trust God with the plans we don’t understand. The same God who interrupted Joseph’s plans was already working out humanity’s salvation.

Is there an interruption in your life right now? Maybe something unexpected, inconvenient, or confusing? Instead of resisting it, ask God what He may be accomplishing through it. Joy comes when we surrender our plans to His greater purpose.

Truth For The Day
Joy is trusting God’s purpose when He rewrites our plans.

Pray
Lord, when my plans are interrupted and fear begins to rise, remind me that You are at work. Help me trust Your purpose and find joy in Your presence today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬

Question
Where is God calling you to choose obedience, even if you don’t yet see the outcome?

Context
Joseph stood at a crossroads. He knew the law, and he knew what the law allowed him to do. But Matthew tells us something deeper. Joseph was not only righteous, he was compassionate. Before the angel ever spoke, Joseph chose mercy. In a moment of confusion, disappointment, and personal loss, Joseph decided to act with grace.

Application
Obedience is often quiet. It rarely looks heroic in the moment. Joseph carried the weight of misunderstanding, wounded expectations, and unanswered questions. Yet he chose faithfulness without applause and kindness without explanation.

God often works through people who obey Him before they fully understand Him. Joseph did not yet know how the story would end, but heaven already knew his heart.

You may be facing a decision that feels heavy. One where doing the right thing is harder than doing the easy thing. Like Joseph, choose obedience rooted in trust. God sees what others do not, and He is always at work behind the scenes.

Truth For The Day
God honors quiet obedience, especially when it costs us something.

Pray
Lord, help me to trust You when obedience feels heavy and clarity feels distant. Give me a heart like Joseph’s, faithful, compassionate, and willing to follow You step by step. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭11‬

Question
What might change if you trusted Jesus to be your only source of joy today?

Context
Jesus speaks these words on the night before He would endure the cross. Knowing that suffering was coming, He did not promise comfort but promised joy. This joy is not based on happiness but a gift rooted in abiding relationship with Jesus.

Application
Advent joy can often be misunderstood. It is not loud cheer or forced smiles. It is the quiet confidence that Christ has come and remains with us. Even when days are heavy with burdens and answers are delayed, Jesus offers a joy that is full, and unshakable. His joy does not ignore pain; it outlasts it. Because He lives in us, joy is always accessible, no matter the circumstance.

Where have you been looking for joy lately? Today, pause and intentionally abide in Christ through prayer and worship. Joy grows when we stay close to Jesus.

Truth For The Day
Biblical joy is found in Christ’s presence, not perfect circumstances.

Pray
Lord, thank You for sharing Your joy with me. Help me to abide in You and trust You in every circumstance. Let Your joy be full in my heart today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.