The Daily: Saturday February 28, 2026

"The joy of the Lord is your strength." – Nehemiah 8:10

Joy as Resistance

In times of uncertainty or injustice, joy can feel frivolous. There is so much to fix, so much to grieve, so much that demands seriousness. But the story of Jesus turning water into wine suggests something radical: joy itself can be an act of resistance.

Empires thrive on fear and scarcity. They convince us there is never enough, that we must compete, hoard, and protect what little we have. But God’s kingdom operates differently. At a wedding on the brink of embarrassment, Jesus doesn’t scold. He doesn’t ration. He overflows.

Joy in a fearful world is not denial — it is defiance.

When we gather around tables, when we laugh, when we protect one another’s dignity, we declare that scarcity will not have the final word. When we celebrate goodness, we resist the narrative that says everything is broken beyond repair.

Christian joy is not shallow optimism. It is rooted hope. It is the stubborn belief that God’s goodness is still unfolding — even here.

Reflection Question

Where might choosing joy today be a quiet act of resistance against fear or scarcity?


Prayer

God of overflowing grace, teach me that joy is not weakness but strength. Help me resist fear by choosing celebration, community, and hope.