Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! (Psalm 100:1–2).

A servant leader takes joy in serving the Lord. Christian leaders understand that joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit gifted to us by God through faith — a part of our daily lives that we share with people around us. Lutheran Women in Mission sing with the Psalmist these heartfelt words: Serve the LORD with gladness!

Unfortunately, the hard fact is that there are days when leaders feel robbed of joy. Servant leaders might feel guilty because they do not joyfully serve, but feel obliged to fulfill their duties. A wise servant leader will realize that her team members might have the very same feelings. A wise leader remembers that joy and happiness are two different things. While happiness comes and goes, depending on external circumstances, joy continues on, even when not felt, because it is based on what Jesus did for her.

How do servant leaders tap into their joy again? How do they help others around them rediscover joy? They pray for God to reveal His truth about joy to themselves and others in need. They immerse themselves in the Word, finding solace in the promise of Baptism uniting them with Christ’s saving grace. They seek out Christian friends and family to walk with them through difficult, joy-robbing times and share with them the peace and joy that comes at the end of those trials.

The renewed knowledge of being a forgiven child of God in all circumstances — happy or sad, easy or difficult, feeling joyful or not — will bring His peace and that peace will guard all hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, nothing in the world can take that joy away!

Use the opening devotion, Living in the Spirit … Gives Me Joy, to open a team meeting or do the multi-session Bible study, Experience the Joy — Then Share It, together as a team. 

Your sister in Christ,
Lucy Servant Leader