“The joy of Jesus was His absolute self-surrender and self-sacrifice to His Father–the joy of doing that which the Father sent Him to do. Jesus prayed that our joy might continue fulfilling itself until it becomes the same joy as His. Have I allowed Jesus Christ to introduce His joy to me?” (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest).

Lord, I pray that that same joy of Jesus will be our joy. I pray that we will live every moment in self-surrender and self-sacrifice, longing only to do Your will. Lord, slay in us any desires that aren’t of You and help us to love what You love so that we might pray in Your name and in accord with Your will.

Jesus, You didn’t see Your lofty position as something to be held onto tightly, but You emptied Yourself and took the form of a slave. You were obedient in every waking moment all the way up to Golgatha and laid down Your life for us so that we might be set free and live. May Your example be ours as well. Amen.