Leaping for Joy?

As I was leafing through my Bible this morning, this drawing of a linen ephod jumped out at me and I started to read about it.  It turns out it is a representation of the fact that apparently King David was wearing one when he came rejoicing with the Levites who were bringing the ark to the place David had prepared for it in Jerusalem.  As I was reading the story this morning, the last verse of I Chronicles chapter 15 really jumped out at me.

"And it happened when the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window, and saw King David leaping and making merry; and she despised him in her heart."  I Chronicles 15:29

King David, despised because he was "leaping and making merry."  Have you ever been there?  Been despised because of expressing joy?  Told you're making a scene?  Being undignified?  I have. Plenty of times.  One that comes to mind was when I was in college - probably about 18 years old. I went to the city park with a date.  I don't remember the young man's name or much about him, except for his disapproving stance as I chose to start climbing the marvelous trees in that park.  I was expressing joy, but got the message loud and clear that rather than partaking in my joy, the young man was simply seeing me as childish and was rather embarrassed to be seen with me.  Sometimes disapproval of the way I expressed joy was stated clearly, but often, just as Michal despised King David "in her heart", those despising me left it unexpressed except through body language and behavior.  But I certainly recognized it anyway, and I realize now that each time it happened, I became more cautious about expressing joy.  No wonder God has had to keep speaking to me about the importance of joy!  He keeps reminding me that the joy of the Lord is my strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)  But I've learned to become dignified enough that I am cautious about when and how I express joy.  

Perhaps this is why we speak of some older adults as "experiencing a 2nd childhood."  Perhaps they've somehow managed to throw off the restraints of societal disapproval, after decades of conforming, and are once again choosing to express joy!  

Father, I want to be more open in expression of the joy you place within my heart!  Thank you for this joy and the peace that passes all understanding - going beyond circumstances and anything others might understand.  Thank you for the strength your joy brings!  Father, I CHOOSE joy this day!  I recognize the efforts of the enemy who tries to steal my joy, because that is a very real way of stealing my STRENGTH!  Father, I ask that you keep my mind focused on JOY as I go about the tasks you have set before me.  And may I be a joy ENCOURAGER, rather than a joy discourager, Father!

As I recognize the way joy has been stolen from me in the past, I have to ask myself the question - have I done that to others?  And the unfortunate answer is that I'm sure that I have.  Sometimes it's been about dignity, but sometimes it's been because of my focus on what needs to be done.  I've wanted folks to "quit goofing around" and get back to work!  I know the enemy doesn't care WHY the joy is stolen - just that it is (because stealing joy steals a person's strength!).

Father, forgive me for my tendency to judge others with disapproval - whether overtly spoken or not.  I know from my own experiences that one doesn't have to be overt for the message to get across.  Father, I don't want to be a joy stealer!  I want to be a joy GIVER!  Father, please work in and through me to share your joy with all I meet, that you may be glorified, and they may be strengthened.  I love you, Father!

Joy in Trials?

For some time my spiritual curriculum has included a lot about the importance of meeting life with joy as I've been brought to such texts as  "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Phil 4:4) and "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).  This week I've gained greater understanding of this passage in James:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you are involved in various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But you must let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing."  - James 1:2-4, ISV

We have been facing some challenges of a political nature in our work, and I must admit I have not really followed the advice in these verses in James.  I frankly wanted to run away from it all like Jonah did.  However, I have hung in there and now that we're beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel, I'm realizing the truth brought out in these verses.  While I still have a ways to go to "consider it pure joy", I have been able to see personal spiritual growth in the way I have handled things and in the support I have received from God - both in my devotional life, and through other people - and this has indeed brought joy. 

While I long for the day when I am so filled with God's perfect love that all fear is cast out (1 John 4:18), I can already see that each time I go through something like this with prayer and active seeking of God's guidance, my faith is strengthened and my ability to face challenges of this nature is increased. While I may not be fully "mature and complete" I definitely see growth and thank God for it.  

I'm learning something about walking through trials.  When I cling to fear, it's like my eyes are shut tight, keeping me from seeing the support all around me.  As I learn to trust and open my eyes through the process, I see more and more of the support that is there for me and it indeed brings joy.

In the case of this recent situation we've been facing, I was given guidance long before the challenges began that has been a touch stone and source of comfort and faith, bolstering my strength and courage.  Various people have also stepped up with words of encouragement and support that have meant so much!  The very fact that I'm seeing this sort of support through these trials shows me that my eyes are more open than they have been in the past. 

As I continue to ponder the idea of endurance, I think of running a marathon.  I expect I am not alone in thinking a marathon is a challenge that I'm not sure I'm up for.  It takes a lot of endurance - and yet, one also hears about the "runner's high" that can be experienced.  It occurs to me that as I face trials in my life, I can experience a spiritual "runner's high" and that perhaps this is what allows me to "count it all joy" as advised in these verses in James.

Father, thank you for the growth I see and for the evidence of your love and care all around me.  While it is still hard for me to "count it all joy" as I go through trials, I am beginning to see the possibility of doing so as I feel the joy that comes from seeing the way you have led and the support you have provided.  While I can't say I look forward to facing trials, I am beginning to understand their value and trust that you are working for my best good and the good of those around me.  Thank you, Father, for your love and guidance and strength!  Thank you for bringing me the lessons I need, even though I don't always greet them with joy and sometimes experience them as painful.  Thank you for working in me both to will and to do of your good pleasure, and for filling my heart with joy as I open more fully to your leading in my life.

Grassy Days

Days seem to just fly by.  And I discover it has once again been several days since I posted on my blog.  I think of the verse from Psalms 103:15-16:

"As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more."  NIV

Sometimes my days do indeed seem like grass.  I work hard, get a lot done, but looking back I wonder what I've really accomplished.  Thinking of grass takes me to this passage from Isaiah:

"The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." Isaiah 40:6-11  KJV

It could be easy to become discouraged and depressed by thinking about the seeming futility of human life, but God's promises lift me up.  God indeed feeds me and leads me like a shepherd.  I don't have to be able to see where we are going or know the purpose.  I don't even have to be able to see where I've been.  I can simply trust my Good Shepherd to take loving care of me - leading me in the right paths and directing my feet as He sees best. These verses remind me that it's my time to lift up my voice with strength and not be afraid.  

Today I return to a venue where I can experience a lot of fear, but I can indeed trust my Shepherd.  Father, I choose this day to lift up my voice with strength and not be afraid.  I know this is only possible if YOU do it in me!  I remember that when you ask me to do something you also give me the ability to do it, and I rely on that, Father.  I am so glad you are not one who takes delight in our failings, but instead, keep me from falling as has been said:

"Now to the one who is able to keep you from falling and to make you stand joyful and faultless in his glorious presence, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus the Messiah, our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time and for all eternity! Amen."  Jude 24-25  ISV

 Father, this morning I once ask for you to do for me as the Psalmist has said: 

"You make a broad place for my steps, so my feet won’t slip." Psalms 18:36  ISV

I remember that the "joy of the Lord" is my strength (Neh 8:10) and also remember that in your presence is fullness of joy (Ps 16:11). Father, please keep me in your presence always so that any fears may be fully eradicated and my heart be full of joy instead. May your will be done in my life, Father - this day and every day. Thank you!  Father, I seek your wisdom and guidance this day.  You know my concerns and the tasks that are before me.  As the song says, "Guide me O Thou great Jehovah".

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation."   Isaiah 12:2KJV

Thank you, Father!

Happy New Year!

Do you make New Year's resolutions?  It's not something I necessarily formally do, but in a new year, my thoughts DO naturally turn to thoughts of how things went over the last year and what I want to see in the new year.  This morning my attention was caught by a quote in the December 2013 Guidepost's magazine.  

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he or she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas lights." - Maya Angelou

What would people learn about me by the way I handle these types of things?  I know the way I would like to handle them.  I'd like to follow God's advice to "in everything give thanks" (I Thessalonians 5:18) and always demonstrate my faith in Him to sort everything out.  I also know that many times I fall far short of doing so.  Today is a good example of that.  I'm not feeling as well physically as I would like, nor am I feeling as well prepared as I'd like to be for the tasks I face today. I wish I could just take the day off and rest, but I have responsibilities to meet. It's tempting to murmur and complain about things, and giving thanks for them is such a foreign concept - yet it's what I'm called to do!

As I contemplated the idea of New Year's resolutions, I remembered some Bible passages that talked about having "resolved" to do something, so decided to use a concordance to look up that word in the New International Version.  Four passages came up:

1. II Chronicles 20:3 - "Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord" NIV - Jehosaphat was faced with an army that was much larger than his resources appeared ready to meet, so he gathered the Israelites and they fasted and prayed about the situation.  Then God sent an answer through Jezariel - Zechariah's son.  "This is what the Lord says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's."  2 Chronicles 20:15 NIV  This is what I need to remember.  No matter what it is that I am facing, I need to resolve to inquire of the Lord, and I need to remember that the battle is not mine, it is God's! When I remember this, then I can find a basis for which to indeed meet all challenges with thanksgiving.  They are opportunities for me to really see God's power at work in my life!


2. "I have resolved that my mouth will not sin." Psalms 17:3 NIV   My first thought as I read this verse was of my inclination to complain and the suggestion of a resolve to avoid that. Then as I read the 3rd "resolved" verse (see #3 below), I realized it could also relate to a resolution about healthy eating.


3. "Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way." Daniel 1:8-9 NIV As I read this verse, I realize that indeed, eating rich foods that are not good for me is "defiling myself".  Why would I want to do that? Father, please remove in me any desire for such things!


4. "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.  I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.  My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." 1 Corinthians 2:2-5 NIV  I think this is part of what God wants to see in me as I continually find myself facing situations for which I don't feel I have the energy or resources to meet.  I need to learn to relax and trust that there will be a demonstration of the Spirit's power as I step into what I've been called to do.  I indeed am facing my tasks today with "weakness and fear, and with much trembling" but I know that He that hath begun a good work in me will see it to completion (Phil 1:6). 

Father, like in Jehosephat's story, I see your hand in bringing me to where I am today.  I am grateful for the reminder that the battle is not mine, but yours!  Father, if it is your will, I pray for healing and strength both physically and mentally as I prepare to meet the tasks you have set before me.  Father, at some times, it's hard to see that "open door" you've set before me and said no one can shut. (Rev 3:8-9)  It sure looks like it's closing sometimes!  Father, help me to keep your word and not deny your name!  I remember your many words of wisdom to me, including the reminder that "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it" (Ps 127:1).  Father, I look to you to do the building.  May I be fully in alignment with your will this day and let you do the battle.  As Jehosephat said in 2 Chron 20:12, I too recognize that I have no power to face what is ahead, and I don't know what to do, but my eyes are upon you, Father.  I need your energy and your strength for this day.  I cannot make it on my own.  Please fill me with your joy as I remember that is where my strength comes from (Neh 8:10).  Thank you, Father!  Amen. 

O Give Thanks!

This morning this verse has been on my mind:

"O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;" Psalms 105:1-5 KJV

I discovered it is almost identical to this one:

"Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.  Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;" 1 Chronicles 16:8-12  KJV

When I find repeating passages in the Bible, I figure the subject matter is something I'm being told to pay extra attention to, so this morning I want to praise Him and thank Him for miracles performed on my behalf.  I have recently had two different times where I felt so overwhelmed with all I had to do, and experienced a miracle of strength and joy.  Yesterday was a case in point.  I was feeling so overwhelmed that I was in tears.  Remembering His promise that His "yoke is easy" and His "burden is light" (Matthew 11:30) and that the joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10), I prayed for guidance to keep me pulling with Him in the yoke, and for His joy to give me strength.  And He once again came through for me, giving me joy and strength to carry on.  I am so grateful! Thank you, Father!  Thank you!  What an amazing thing the way You can turn my tears into joy!  I am so grateful!

Looking up the previous passages also brought me to another set of nearly identical passages - this time I found SIX of them!  Undoubtedly this speaks to something to which I need to pay attention!  Here are the passages:

1. "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." 1 Chronicles 16:34 KJV
2. "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Psalms 106:1 KJV
3. "O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Psalms 107:1 KJV
4. "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever." Psalms 118:1 KJV
5. "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Psalms 118:29 KJV
6. "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Psalms 136:1 KJV

I hate how easy it is for me to forget to give thanks.  Yesterday I experienced such a miracle as the overwhelming burdens were lifted from my shoulders as I yoked with my God.  My tears were turned to joy and I was given plenty of strength with which to complete my tasks.  And yet, this morning my first thoughts were of my to-do list, instead of praise!  

Father, thank you for this reminder!  I realize that these admonitions are NOT because you have such a big ego that you need continual praise, but because you know how much I NEED to live in a spirit of gratitude!  This is where the "joy of the Lord" comes from that is my strength, and I am so grateful.  Father, you are an amazing God and I am so thankful for the joy and strength you give me.  Once again, Father, I ask for guidance and strength for this day, and I am so grateful to know that you will indeed continue to work in me both to WILL and to DO of your good pleasure (Phil 2:13).  Thank you, Father!

Plans

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11-12 Holy Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.)

I am a "planner".  I like to know what I am doing in advance.  This often serves me very well.  For example, often when we travel, we see a lot more and don't waste our vacation time trying to figure out what to do, but can just do it!  There are other times, however when my planning doesn't work out so well.  Today is a case in point.

Early in the week I worked out plans with the teacher I am filling in for - plans for what we'd be teaching today.  Then yesterday afternoon she contacted me and changed those plans!  I had thought we were ready to teach today - suddenly we're not at all!  I understand her reasons and agree with them, but it's hard for me to have plans changed at the last minute like that - especially when it has to do with something where advanced preparation is needed and there's little time to do so! 

I actually found myself in tears last evening, as I just felt so overwhelmed with it all (and actually concerned that things might be a disaster because of my lack of time to prepare). But this morning I have to chuckle as God reminds me, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning"! (Psalm 30:5)  It is true, and I am so grateful.   I still don't know exactly what we're teaching yet, but I KNOW who is in charge, and I can relax and experience the exhilaration of letting go and enjoying the ride.  Thank you, Father!

Situations like this can be SO hard for me, but it takes me right back where I belong - to the arms of my Savior.  Only he can see me through things like this!  This morning I am grateful for the promise I quoted above.  I know this change in plans is for my good (and the good of those around me), and I am grateful.  I am also reminded that the "joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).

Father, thank you for the joy that you put in me.  The words of a song come to mind, "He keeps me singing a happy song, he keeps me singing it all day long . . . " Thank you for this promise, too, Father!  I know that in you I live and move and have my being and that your way is the path of joy.  You remind me of another verse, Father, "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalms 16:11 NKJV)  Thank you, Father!  And you remind me of yet another verse, "For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills Shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands."  Isaiah 55:12 NKJV  Thank you, Father!!!! Thank you!  You bring me promise after promise this morning, and I am SO grateful.  Father, I DO trust you!  "Lord I believe, help thou mine unbelief"!  I know that you are working in me both to WILL and to DO of your good pleasure.  I am SO grateful, Father!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  I know you are guiding my thoughts as I go out from here to sort out what we will be teaching today.  I know you will be guiding our words and actions as we teach today.  And I thank you for it!  You are an amazing God, and I can never praise you enough.  Thank you is so adequate to express the fullness of my feelings, but Father, you know my heart, and you know what you have put within it.  Thank you for your miracles on my behalf, Father!  I love you!

New Mercies

This morning I found myself singing the song "Great is Thy Faithfulness" - particularly the part that says "morning by morning new mercies I see".  I am so grateful!  Yesterday was a really challenging day and I just didn't know how I would be able to do what I needed to do.  I kept thinking of the verse that says, "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10) and knew that was what I needed to bring to my tasks and my interactions with others - but I was feeling so sad!  I don't get to see my daughter very often and I MISS HER - especially when the holidays come around.  I knew I needed to give that burden to God and let Him fill me with joy to complete my tasks - but I didn't know how I could possibly do that!

Well, as I was promised in the verses I looked at yesterday, all I had to do was ask.  As we were getting ready to head to class, my husband and I prayed about it.  By the time I got to class, my melancholy was lifted and I was indeed filled with joy!  I was able to teach and interact with others from an enthusiastic joy-filled space that was totally genuine!  How did He do that?  I have no idea, but I'm so glad He did!  He gave me joy and strength so the evening was a delight instead of a challenge!  

Father, I can't praise you enough!  Thank you so much!  As I go about my tasks today, I once again ask for your will to be done in my life and that you continue to work in me both to WILL and to DO of your good pleasure (Phil 2:13).  I thank you for answered prayers and promises fulfilled.  I love you, Father!

Today I Will Choose to Be Happy!

A few days ago I mentioned listening to an interview with Andy Andrews. That interview made such an impact that I went to my on-line library to see if it had any of his books.  I found "The Traveler's Gift" as an audio book and I've enjoyed listening to it as I go about my tasks.  What he calls the "Fifth Decision for Success" really struck me because it covers a topic I've been being brought to over and over again in my Bible studies recently.  This fifth decision for success is "I will choose to be happy."  

I have often seen in my life that when I am receptive to something God wants to teach me, that I find information abounding, but this has gone beyond what I've seen before.  In the same day I listened to this book I read someone's blog post that also talked about what God's been working to teach me!  This particular book by Andy Andrews has really given me food for thought about HOW to choose to be happy.  One of the things it suggests is that within moments of awakening I laugh for 7 seconds.  It claims it has a physiologic affect that promotes joy.  I've already seen that laughing at a joke can make a real difference as I go about the tasks God has set before me, so I can certainly believe it.  Yet I find myself hesitant to do this.  I don't want to be seen as foolish by my husband - even though I KNOW he would be accepting of my doing it!  Am I going to let pride interfere with the guidance God is sending my way regarding this topic?  

Other things that strike me as I read his "5th Decision" are these ideas:

• "People are drawn to me because I have laughter in my heart."  A week or two ago I wrote about the need to be in joy as I interact with others - especially in my new job.  This is one of the reasons it is so important!
• "I will smile at every person I meet. . . . it is . . . the most potent weapon I possess."  I guess I would prefer the word "tool" to "weapon" here, but I get the idea - a smile is powerful. Wow!  Not long ago I wrote about discouragement, and he goes on to say that a smile will wither away any discouragement!  
• Next he talks about cultivating a grateful spirit and how that also chases away discouragement.  This, of course, is something I've already been led to and have been blogging about, but one of the ways he said it really stood out to me. "It is impossible for the seeds of depression to take root in a thankful heart."

So, today, with Thanksgiving Day just around the corner, I find these ideas taking root in my heart in a way they have never done before.  For several years I have chosen to send out "Thanksgiving Cards" to some of those who have had an impact on my life during the year, thanking them for what and who they are in my life.  Today I see this task as even more important as I seek to incorporate God's instructions in my life - to "in everything give thanks" (1 Thes 5:18) and to "rejoice in the Lord always" (Phil 4:4).  Cultivating a joyful and grateful spirit is SO important!

Father, this morning I'm so grateful.  You are a wonderful teacher to me, sending just the information I need to hear when I need to hear it.  You've shown me that your joy is my strength (Neh 8:10) and that no matter what is going on in my life I can choose to be joyful because after all, "Nothing shall be impossible" with you (Luke 1:37)!  Father, this morning I DO make the choice to be happy.  You have given me so much!  Life, health, strength, joy, forgiveness are just the beginning of your gifts.  Father, thank you for the open door you have set before me and the willingness and strength you give me to walk through it!  Thank you for sleep and for joy!  Thank you for your presence in my life for truly "in your presence is fullness of joy" (Ps 16:11)!  Thank you, Father!

Wherever I Go

The verse that jumped out at me this morning was this one from Joshua:

"Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take." (Joshua 1:9 from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

I've always thought the opposite of courage was fear, but this morning, that word "discouraged" jumped out at me. Surely that is another word that is the opposite of courage!  For some reason, I've not thought of being discouraged as having a lack of courage before, but this morning I find myself pondering that idea with interest. It has the feeling of an insight designed to free me from those bouts of discouragement that I experience from time to time!

When I am afraid, I've learned to look to God for courage, reminding myself that He is there with me every step of the way.  When I've been discouraged, however, I've just wanted to feel better.  I haven't always had a clearer goal than that.  All of a sudden as I read this verse, I realize that I can face discouragement the same way I've learned to face fear! I can look to God for courage, reminding myself that He is there with me every step of the way!

As I think about this more deeply, I realize that there is indeed often a relationship between discouragement and fear.  Much of the time when I am discouraged, there is really fear at the base of that discouragement - fear that I can't accomplish something I want or need to accomplish.  The courage needed at a time like this may not be the "flashy" sort of bravery that other situations call for, but it is courage just the same.  In fact sometimes, it takes more courage to face the day in and day out challenges, than something more overtly challenging.  I think of a quote I came across that I find myself thinking about from time to time.  It goes like this:

"Courage doesn't always roar.  Sometimes it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.'" - Mary Anne Radmacher

Father, this morning I once again seek your courage and strength, to see me through this day.  I realize when I am discouraged, that lack of courage keeps me from experiencing the joy in you that is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10).  I forget to praise you, and start to worry instead.  Father this morning I want to praise you!  I am SO grateful for the opportunities you have placed before me - those open doors "that no one can shut" (Rev 3:8).  Forgive me for sometimes taking my eyes off of you and starting to sink in the overwhelming waves of preparation and duty.  I KNOW that your joy is indeed my strength and I look to you again this morning to fill my heart so full of the joy only you can give, that there is no room for fear or discouragement.  Father, I know that as I yoke with you, I indeed find that it is easy, and the burden is light (Matthew 11:30). And I thank you for that.  And Father, as this season of Thanksgiving draws near, I am so VERY grateful for the many gifts you give each day - and especially this morning for the gift of caring and supportive friends and family.  I love you, Father!

Strength and Joy

I've been thinking about JOY much of this week.  What a difference it makes when we are full of joy!  Life just flows so much better, no matter what our tasks.  A verse that came to mind this morning is this one found in Nehemiah: "the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV) 

I have certainly seen that to be true for me this week.  The moment I let go of the worry and asked God to fill my heart with joy instead, I felt an influx of energy!  Where I had been so discouraged I didn't know how I could keep putting myself out there, I now felt energized and ready to face the tasks of the day.  

The story surrounding the words in the text quoted above is an interesting one - and quite instructive.  If one is facing a daunting task, there is much to glean in this story about how to go about it.  The bottom line, however, is that we need to look to God for guidance and keep focused on our tasks, no matter who tries to distract us.  

As the story starts, at the beginning of this book, Nehemiah is the "cup bearer" for the king - the one responsible to test the king's food and wine and make sure it hasn't been poisoned.  He has recently received news about Jerusalem and how those who have returned to it from captivity are faring.  The news wasn't good.  The city was in ruins, and the people discouraged.  Nehemiah felt a real burden to do something about it, so prayed to God and prepared to talk to the king.  

An opportunity was presented pretty quickly, as the king noticed that Nehemiah was not his normal cheerful self and asked about it. When he heard the tale, the king asked Nehemiah what he wanted.  Nehemiah prayed for wisdom and then told the king he would like to be sent to rebuild the city.  As the king asked for more details about what would be needed.  Nehemiah told him how long he expected it to take, and when the king agreed to let him go, asked for letters of authorization for safe passage, and for access to the supplies needed to rebuild the city.   The king did more than that, sending some of his army to accompany Nehemiah.  

Nehemiah and the people working with him faced many challenges from outsiders as well as their own people, but they continued the work to rebuild the city.  All in all, Nehemiah was there working and overseeing things for 12 years, but the wall itself was completed in 52 days despite challenges and threats of all kinds.

Seven months later, the Israelites assembled near the site of the temple and Ezra began to read to them from the book of God's law.  There was a lot of weeping as the Israelites realized how far they had strayed.  That is when Nehemiah, Ezra, and all the priests, urged the people to put aside their weeping and embrace joy.  

"Because all the people were weeping as they listened to the words of the Law, Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the descendants of Levi who taught the people told everyone, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.”  He also told them, “Go eat the best food, drink the best wine, and give something to those who have nothing, since this day is holy to our Lord. Don’t be sorrowful, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.” The descendants of Levi also calmed all the people by saying, “Be still, for the day is holy. Don’t be sorrowful!” So all the people went to eat, to drink, to send something to those who had nothing, and to celebrate with great joy, because they understood the words that were being declared to them."  (Neh 8:9-12 ISV)

Even when we realize we've made mistakes, we are to rejoice!  Recognizing our mistakes and moving forward is a cause for rejoicing, not weeping!  There are so many passages in the Bible that tell us to rejoice.  Here is another one:

"Let all those who take refuge in you rejoice!  Let them shout for joy forever, and may you protect them. Let those who love your name exult in you. Indeed, you will bless the righteous one, LORD, like a large shield, you will surround him with favor." (Psalms 5:11-12 ISV)

This morning, Father, I am so grateful for the joy you have put in my heart!  As I face the challenges that this day brings, may I face them with joy.  Father, please help me keep my mind fixed on you, remembering your power and strength and that your perfect love casts out fear. May I be so filled with your love and your joy that there is no room for anything else.  Thank you, Father, for the strength your joy gives me.  I love you, Father! Amen.

Joy

This morning I'm thinking about joy:

"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4 - Holy Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.)

Sounds pretty good, right? How about this one?

"My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need." (James 1:2-4 NCV)

Hmmm, how likely am I to live up to that one? When I have many troubles I should be full of joy because it will give me patience??? My first thought is - I'm not sure I WANT patience that badly! :-) And yet look at that promise. If I let patience show itself perfectly in what I do, I will be perfect and complete and will have everything I need! Wow, what a promise! It's certainly worth developing patience for isn't it?

As I was looking at verses about joy, I came across this story in Nehemiah:

"All the people of Israel gathered to gether in the square by the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the teacher to bring out the Book of the Teachings of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. So on the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought out the Teachings for the crowd. Men, women, and all who could listen and understand had gathered. At the square by the Water Gate Ezra read the Teachings out loud from early morning until noon to the men, women, and everyone who could listen and understand. All the people listened carefully to the Book of the Teachings. Ezra the teacher stood on a high wooden platform that had been built just for this time. On his right were Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah. And on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. Ezra opened the book in full view of everyone, because he was above them. As he opened it, all the people stood up. Ezra praised the Lord, the great God, and all the people held up their hands and said, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. These Levites explained the Teachings to the people as they stood there: Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah. They read from the Book of the Teachings of God and explained what it meant so the people understood what was being read. Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher, and the Levites who were teaching said to all the people, "This is a holy day to the Lord your God. Don't be sad or cry." All the people had been crying as they listened to the words of the Teachings. Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy good food and sweet drinks. Send some to people who have none, because today is a holy day to the Lord. Don't be sad, because the joy of the Lord will make you strong." The Levites helped calm the people, saying, "Be quiet, because this is a holy day. Don't be sad." Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send some of their food to others, and to celebrate with great joy. They finally understood what they had been taught." (Nehemiah 8:1-12 NCV)

It sounds to me that as God's teachings were explained the people realized how far from God's way they had strayed and were sad and crying because of it.  That I can understand, but the response of their leaders is unexpected. I think of church leaders I have known and I believe many of them would have been glad the people were feeling convicted of their sin and were so saddened by it. They might even have encouraged them to go home and seriously think about how far they had strayed. But this was not the response the people got from God through their prophets and priests.  Instead they were told to go throw a party! 

This verse in particular stands out to me - "Don't be sad because the joy of the Lord will make you strong."  No matter how far I've missed the mark, God doesn't want me to be sad.  In order to be strong enough to make the changes needed, I need to open to the "joy of the Lord".  What a concept!  And how different from human thinking that wants to see us upset about our mistakes in order to know we are truly sorry for them!  And yet, I am reminded of scientific studies that demonstrate how health and strength are affected by joy and sadness.  And I've seen this in my own life.  I am much stronger and healthier when living in joy.  The joy of the Lord is indeed my strength!  And I love that last verse of the passage!  It says they went and did as they were told, celebrating with great joy, and it ends with these words: "They finally understood what they'd been taught."  Wow!

Father, today, I choose to celebrate with joy. You are an amazing God - so understanding and forgiving! And I choose to trust you and believe that as I focus on joy, you will strengthen me - physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually - and I am so grateful!  Your burden on me is so light I feel as though I can just float through the air!  Thank you, Father, for your love and your generous spirit.  May I be an open channel for that love!

Gratitude

This morning I am so grateful to God for feeding me!  The food he gave me yesterday upheld me through a very challenging time. Just before guests were to arrive, I got word that someone we cared for a great deal was dead.  In the space of less than two weeks he went from being fairly active, to struggling for breath as he fought acute leukemia, to death!

With the stress of the news and no time to digest it before guests arrived, a common reaction on my part would have been to overeat. And yet, even though guests brought snacks that often would have been quite tempting, I ate a temperate meal and did not snack later. Thank you, Father, for this miracle in my life!

Our friend's death leaves such a big hole in our lives, and my heart bleeds for his wife and family. As I think of what it must take for a wife to carry on after such an event, I hurt for his wife and begin to pray for her.

And then I remember what I was told before in Phil 1: 3, 4. "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you. In every prayer of mine I always make my entreaty and petition for you with all joy (delight)." (emphasis mine).  At times like this, it can be a real challenge to follow the advice of scripture to "rejoice in the Lord always" (Phil 4:4).  And yet, we are told, ". . . the joy of the Lord is your strength."  (Neh 8:10)  Of course, I don't think this means we are not ever to express sorrow.  Ecc 3:4 assures us there IS a time to weep. But I DO know that at times like this I really need God's strength!  

Thank you, Father for more food for this day! Thank you for the knowledge that you do all things well and we can trust in you, no matter what the circumstances of our lives.