Devotional: Daily Cross, Daily Joy
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’” – Luke 9:23 (NIV)
When Jesus invited His disciples to follow Him, He was upfront about what it would require. He didn’t tell them to simply enjoy the blessings of God or to follow when it was convenient. He said they must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him.
That can sound intimidating. A cross is heavy. A cross is painful. A cross is costly. But what Jesus was teaching wasn’t just about moments of dramatic sacrifice or persecution. Most often, it’s about the daily choices we make when life feels ordinary.
As Luke Baham reminded us this week, carrying our cross looks a lot like serving our families when we’re exhausted, persevering in our work when we’d rather give up, or choosing patience and love when frustration feels easier. These moments may not look spectacular, but they matter deeply. Every time we deny ourselves and choose God’s will, we’re following in the footsteps of Jesus.
And here’s the hope we hold onto: Jesus shows us that joy is not the absence of hardship, but God’s presence in the midst of it. He endured the cross “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2), and in the same way, our daily crosses are not meaningless. They are filled with purpose. God uses them to shape us, strengthen us, and remind us that true joy is found in Him.
So don’t think of your cross as something to fear. Think of it as an opportunity to experience God’s presence in the middle of your everyday life. Whether it’s a sink full of dishes, a tough day at work, or a moment of costly obedience, those are the places where God delights to meet you.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the reminder that following Jesus means surrendering daily. Help me to see the small opportunities to serve and love as acts of worship to You. When I feel tired or tempted to choose comfort over faithfulness, give me strength to persevere. Teach me to find joy in Your presence, no matter the circumstance. Amen.
Questions for Reflection:
What is one area of your life where God is asking you to deny yourself this week?
How can you invite God’s presence into your daily routines, even in the small tasks?
Where have you experienced joy, not because life was easy, but because God was with you?
Practical Application:
This week, look for the small, daily “crosses” in your life. Where can you set aside your own comfort to love, serve, or show patience? Maybe it’s listening to someone when you’re tired, or choosing to do a task no one notices but God. Offer those moments to Him as worship, trusting that He delights in your perseverance.
Watch: Tim Keller- The Theology of the Cross and Walking with a Limp
Carrying your cross daily doesn’t always mean big, dramatic sacrifices. More often, it’s in the ordinary moments where you choose God’s will over your own. And in those choices, you’ll find the joy of His presence.
Islands Christian Church Podcast- August 31, 2025 // Special Guest Luke Baham
