Jesus Rejoices in the Spirit

Read: Luke 10:21-22
Listen: Luke 10

This year in Beyond the Weekend, journey through different biblical models of prayer—one each month. February’s focus is The Spirit’s Help in Prayer.

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.” Luke 10:21

Jesus sends seventy-two disciples out to share the good news of his kingdom. They return from their mission, filled with joy at what God has done through them in Jesus’s name. Then, something beautiful happens—Jesus is filled with joy through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit moves Jesus to praise what the Father is doing, enabling him to see the Father’s perfect plan unfolding. Jesus responds with joyful worship. Even Jesus, fully God and fully man, relies on the Spirit’s power to perceive and praise what the Father is accomplishing.

Just as the Spirit filled Jesus with joy that led to praise, the Spirit helps us recognize God’s work in our lives and the lives of others. He enables us to celebrate answers to prayer, spiritual breakthroughs and God’s faithfulness. When we feel spiritually dull or can’t see God moving, we can ask the Spirit to awaken our hearts to notice God’s work. The Spirit grows fruits of joy, gratitude and praise within us. The Spirit’s work transforms prayer from duty into delight as he helps us grow in trust, see through spiritual eyes and respond with hearts full of worship.

TODAY: Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see where God is working around you. Thank him for one specific way you’ve seen God move recently, and allow the Spirit to fill you with joy and praise.