Psalm 33
I love to sing. I love to harmonize. I love to worship with music.
There is something powerful in the lyrics, in the rhythms, in the notes. It moves me to the depths of my being and often makes me want to jump for JOY!
And sure enough, God knows that.
I think it makes Him smile.
"Let the Godly sing with JOY to the Lord, for it is fitting to praise Him." (Ps. 33:1, NLT)
"... sing with JOY." (Ps. 33:3, NLT)
Whether we feel we have the gift of music or not, we should be singing. Whether we like to sing or not, we should be singing.
In a church?
Sing!
At home?
Sing!
In the car?
Sing!
In the shower?
You got it ~ sing!
Sing in praise and in worship to the Lord.
In the hard times ~ when we're hurt, angry, unsettled ...
In the good times ~ when we're happy, satisfied, and life is grand ...
Not only should we sing, but it should be with JOY.
Sing with JOY.
And this is why ...
~ the Word of the Lord stands true (vs .4)
~ He is worthy of our trust (vs. 4)
~ He loves what is good and right (vs. 5)
~ His love never fails (vs. 5)
~ His love fills the earth (vs. 5)
~ He created the heavens, stars, seas - the world (vs. 6-9)
~ His plans are firm (vs. 11)
~ He understands the human heart (vs. 15)
~ He watches over those who fear Him and rely on His love (vs. 18)
~ He rescues (vs. 19)
~ He saves and protects (vs. 20)
Oh ~ "What JOY for the nation whose God is the Lord." (vs.12)
What JOY for those who put their trust and hope in God.
And our response?
Sing it out!
Sing with JOY!
Whatever that looks like to you ~ hands held high, eyes closed, sitting, standing, kneeling ...
Sing with JOY from your whole heart, from the deepest part of your soul.
Lesson in the journey ~ There is JOY in song.
Monday, December 28, 2015
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Rebelling Sand
Psalm 32
The town I grew up in is on the shore of a Great Lake. Sandy beaches, gorgeous sunsets and all the activities associated with those things were part of my upbringing. We used to sift through the stones and shells that lay in the sand and pick out our favourites. I became a sand architect making dribble castles from the wet sand, and I'd rebuild them when a wayward wave would come and destroy my masterpieces. There's nothing like going for a walk on a long stretch of sand as the sun sets, hearing the waves rolling on the shore. Sailboats, floating air-mattresses, surfboards and water wings ~ all part of the fun.
Yet there is one thing that still gets me today. When it's time to leave the beach and go home after a wet, sandy time, there is the problem of the sand that wants to hitch a ride home. The sand that sticks to wet skin. The wet sand that doesn't brush off easily. Oh, if it's dry, we laugh at its efforts and sweep it off with a swipe of our hands. No problem. It's the wet stuff that becomes difficult. Wiping it off is a futile effort. So it goes for the ride home in the car, makes its way into the house, onto furniture, into beds. Then there is grit covering the floor and everyone is affected by it.
That's my only beach complaint.
And the solution to removing this pesky, clingy sand? Water. It washes off the tiny grains, although some rubbing or scrubbing may still have to happen. But the water cleans and eliminates the problem. Preferably before you go into the house.
Sin is like that annoying, wet, sand. It clings, it hurts, it contaminates. And not just ourselves. The effects of our sin are sometimes far-reaching. Other people are affected, hurt, and changed by what we do.
Thankfully there is a solution for that too. It's called forgiveness. And the best kind is in its origin ~ God Himself.
"Oh, what JOY for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what JOY for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!" (Ps. 32:1-2, NLT)
That feeling of relief when the gritty sand is washed off?
Clean.
That feeling of relief when the pain of sin is washed away?
Cleansed.
Forgiven.
Free.
Hopeful.
JOYful.
It puts a smile on my face.
Oh what JOY!
Lesson in the journey ~ Forgiveness brings JOY.
The town I grew up in is on the shore of a Great Lake. Sandy beaches, gorgeous sunsets and all the activities associated with those things were part of my upbringing. We used to sift through the stones and shells that lay in the sand and pick out our favourites. I became a sand architect making dribble castles from the wet sand, and I'd rebuild them when a wayward wave would come and destroy my masterpieces. There's nothing like going for a walk on a long stretch of sand as the sun sets, hearing the waves rolling on the shore. Sailboats, floating air-mattresses, surfboards and water wings ~ all part of the fun.
Yet there is one thing that still gets me today. When it's time to leave the beach and go home after a wet, sandy time, there is the problem of the sand that wants to hitch a ride home. The sand that sticks to wet skin. The wet sand that doesn't brush off easily. Oh, if it's dry, we laugh at its efforts and sweep it off with a swipe of our hands. No problem. It's the wet stuff that becomes difficult. Wiping it off is a futile effort. So it goes for the ride home in the car, makes its way into the house, onto furniture, into beds. Then there is grit covering the floor and everyone is affected by it.
That's my only beach complaint.
And the solution to removing this pesky, clingy sand? Water. It washes off the tiny grains, although some rubbing or scrubbing may still have to happen. But the water cleans and eliminates the problem. Preferably before you go into the house.
Sin is like that annoying, wet, sand. It clings, it hurts, it contaminates. And not just ourselves. The effects of our sin are sometimes far-reaching. Other people are affected, hurt, and changed by what we do.
Thankfully there is a solution for that too. It's called forgiveness. And the best kind is in its origin ~ God Himself.
"Oh, what JOY for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what JOY for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!" (Ps. 32:1-2, NLT)
That feeling of relief when the gritty sand is washed off?
Clean.
That feeling of relief when the pain of sin is washed away?
Cleansed.
Forgiven.
Free.
Hopeful.
JOYful.
It puts a smile on my face.
Oh what JOY!
Lesson in the journey ~ Forgiveness brings JOY.
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Overwhelmed can be a good thing
Psalm 31
There is a lot to say for overcoming.
Songs are written about it.
People conquer issues in their lives and claim to have overcome difficult obstacles.
We can overcome through faith.
Jesus Himself says that He overcame the world. (John 16:33)
There is a lot to say for overwhelming.
We can become bogged down by our troubles.
We stress about things in our lives ~ finances, jobs, relationships ~ and we feel overwhelmed.
Sometimes it feels like it's just too much and we can't handle it any longer.
And there's a lot to say about joy.
In a beautiful, intricate way, joy weaves itself through life. Sometimes it's obvious and our hearts catch it like our eyes would immediately be drawn to a flash of orange in a tapestry. Other times we miss it because our focus is pulled to the trials, to the busyness, to the hurts in life. Or because our focal point becomes the material things, idols that mask themselves as pleasures.
Nevertheless, joy presents itself.
There is a song, which today I claimed as my favourite. I often wake in the morning with the tune and lyrics gently pulsing through my head and heart. It is a song called "Overwhelmed", by the band Big Daddy Weave. It talks about delighting in the Lord. Taking our joy from Him. From His beauty,
His love.
This is the song here, because it is just that good.
As I sat reading Psalm 31 last night, a joy verse captured me again.
"I am overcome with joy because of Your unfailing love, for You have seen my troubles, and You care about the anguish of my soul." (Ps. 31:7, NLT)
I claim this verse for myself. I am overcome with joy. Partly because it waits patiently for me, and is ever-present. Mostly because God gives it to me and allows it to pursue me, overcome me.
This has nothing to do with me conquering, doing, and accomplishing anything. It has all to do with joy overcoming me. Everything to do with God and His mercy. His love. His compassion. His power.
Delighting myself in God. Finding my joy in God. Allowing it to overcome, overwhelm, and take me over.
"I am overcome with joy ..."
"I delight myself in You ..."
Beautiful. The kind of overwhelmed that I want to be.
Lesson in the journey ... Joy overcomes and joy overwhelms.
There is a lot to say for overcoming.
Songs are written about it.
People conquer issues in their lives and claim to have overcome difficult obstacles.
We can overcome through faith.
Jesus Himself says that He overcame the world. (John 16:33)
There is a lot to say for overwhelming.
We can become bogged down by our troubles.
We stress about things in our lives ~ finances, jobs, relationships ~ and we feel overwhelmed.
Sometimes it feels like it's just too much and we can't handle it any longer.
And there's a lot to say about joy.
In a beautiful, intricate way, joy weaves itself through life. Sometimes it's obvious and our hearts catch it like our eyes would immediately be drawn to a flash of orange in a tapestry. Other times we miss it because our focus is pulled to the trials, to the busyness, to the hurts in life. Or because our focal point becomes the material things, idols that mask themselves as pleasures.
Nevertheless, joy presents itself.
There is a song, which today I claimed as my favourite. I often wake in the morning with the tune and lyrics gently pulsing through my head and heart. It is a song called "Overwhelmed", by the band Big Daddy Weave. It talks about delighting in the Lord. Taking our joy from Him. From His beauty,
His love.
This is the song here, because it is just that good.
As I sat reading Psalm 31 last night, a joy verse captured me again.
"I am overcome with joy because of Your unfailing love, for You have seen my troubles, and You care about the anguish of my soul." (Ps. 31:7, NLT)
I claim this verse for myself. I am overcome with joy. Partly because it waits patiently for me, and is ever-present. Mostly because God gives it to me and allows it to pursue me, overcome me.
This has nothing to do with me conquering, doing, and accomplishing anything. It has all to do with joy overcoming me. Everything to do with God and His mercy. His love. His compassion. His power.
Delighting myself in God. Finding my joy in God. Allowing it to overcome, overwhelm, and take me over.
"I am overcome with joy ..."
"I delight myself in You ..."
Beautiful. The kind of overwhelmed that I want to be.
Lesson in the journey ... Joy overcomes and joy overwhelms.
Monday, June 1, 2015
What Joy Does
Psalm 30
Joy does a lot of things.
Maybe that's an obvious statement, but it's simply true. It's a statement I need to remind myself of often. Maybe we all need these reminders.
There is music. Oh sweet music. Given by God Himself ~ created in us to be a balm, to express worship, to give praise. To tell stories. To comfort. To heal. Joy encourages.
There are words. Novels. Non-fiction writings. Real-life stories. Songs. God's Word. Joy inspires.
There are friends. Coffee shop visits. Fellowship. Hugs. Discussion. Support. Giggles. Joy gives.
There is family. Wiggling babies. Active tots. Fun teenagers. Loving spouses. Supportive grandparents. Friends. Joy encircles.
There is creation. Flowers ~ bouquets of colour, fragrance, sweetness. Sunsets ~ splashes of different hues to end our day. Human life ~ tendons, muscles, blood vessels, cells. Magnificent artistry. Joy astounds.
There are feelings. Those rising up, full-to-the-brim, bubbling-over tingles that give shivers. Joy stirs.
There is weeping. Sadness, loss, hurt. Joy comes.
"Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning." (Ps. 30:5, NLT)
There is dancing. Rejoicing in hope. Moving in Him. He replenishes. He revives. He renews. Joy clothes.
"You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy." (Ps. 30:11, NLT)
When you're kicked while you're down, joy lifts.
When you wake with a song in your heart, joy fills.
When you're weak or afraid, joy carries.
I love how joy is a hand-holder.
Joy
~ encourages.
~ inspires.
~ gives.
~ encircles.
~ astounds.
~ stirs.
~ comes.
~ clothes.
~ lifts.
~ fills.
~ carries.
~ holds my hand.
Joy does a lot of things.
Maybe that's an obvious statement, but it's simply true. It's a statement I need to remind myself of often. Maybe we all need these reminders.
There is music. Oh sweet music. Given by God Himself ~ created in us to be a balm, to express worship, to give praise. To tell stories. To comfort. To heal. Joy encourages.
There are words. Novels. Non-fiction writings. Real-life stories. Songs. God's Word. Joy inspires.
There are friends. Coffee shop visits. Fellowship. Hugs. Discussion. Support. Giggles. Joy gives.
There is family. Wiggling babies. Active tots. Fun teenagers. Loving spouses. Supportive grandparents. Friends. Joy encircles.
There is creation. Flowers ~ bouquets of colour, fragrance, sweetness. Sunsets ~ splashes of different hues to end our day. Human life ~ tendons, muscles, blood vessels, cells. Magnificent artistry. Joy astounds.
There are feelings. Those rising up, full-to-the-brim, bubbling-over tingles that give shivers. Joy stirs.
There is weeping. Sadness, loss, hurt. Joy comes.
"Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning." (Ps. 30:5, NLT)
There is dancing. Rejoicing in hope. Moving in Him. He replenishes. He revives. He renews. Joy clothes.
"You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy." (Ps. 30:11, NLT)
When you're kicked while you're down, joy lifts.
When you wake with a song in your heart, joy fills.
When you're weak or afraid, joy carries.
I love how joy is a hand-holder.
Joy
~ encourages.
~ inspires.
~ gives.
~ encircles.
~ astounds.
~ stirs.
~ comes.
~ clothes.
~ lifts.
~ fills.
~ carries.
~ holds my hand.
Lesson in the journey ... Joy is active.
Monday, May 25, 2015
Morning Songs
Psalm 27 & 28
Life is tough. Joy sometimes seems unattainable. Struggles abound and sometimes come in waves. Thus the expression, "When it rains, it pours."
For example, I have a story of struggles. Some of which I'll tell you. Some of which seem small, yet big. Trivial, yet straining.
So I'll tell you about a van named Herbie.
Herbie is an orchestra on wheels. We often hear a symphony of sound as we drive. From the squeak of the brakes, to the growls of the engine, and the roar of the muffler, we have been musically entertained for years. One could say Herbie is a symphonic menagerie.
Now, we have tweaked some of Herbie's tunes and changed the arrangement of several movements over the years, but he never ceases to amuse us in some way.
A few weeks ago, he had a flat tire. We had to replace all four tires, but he was good to go. On the way home, a small stone flew through the highway air and collided with Herbie's windshield. An instant spider-web crack developed. But Herbie made it home.
Several days later, one of Herbie's new tires was flat again. Upon examination by a mechanic, we were told that the tire had a manufacturer's defect and would be replaced. We waited for an appointment to open up. A few days passed, and we were parked at the recreation centre. A soccer team appeared on a nearby field and kicked a ball over the net, over the fence, and right into Herbie's windshield. Herbie must have had a sticker on his hood that said, "Hit me. I dare you." The challenge was met, as five minutes later the same soccer ball hit Herbie in the face again. Needless to say, Herbie was quite smashed by this point. In a row of seven vehicles, Herbie was hit twice, the windshield now destroyed. New glasses and a pedicure were in Herbie's future.
This is only part of Herbie's story.
And Herbie's story is only part of my story.
Other things in life have weighed down, frustrated, hurt and exasperated. Sometimes all at once. Sometimes one thing after another. Sometimes to the point of banging your head on a wall, pulling your hair out and shouting. Sometimes with tears streaming.
Yet joy pursues.
Every morning for the past seven days, I have awoken with a song in my heart. I love it when God does that. Songs of joy to begin again. Songs of praise to glorify Him even in the rough days.
Psalm 27:6 says, "At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices and shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music." (NLT)
Psalm 28:7 says, "He helps me and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." (NLT)
Offerings of joyful singing.
Bursting out in songs.
There is a huge connection between joy and music. God knows this. I think that's why He's been giving me morning songs when I wake. A new kind of symphonic sound to fill my ears and my heart.
Lesson in the journey ... Joy is found in musical love notes.
Life is tough. Joy sometimes seems unattainable. Struggles abound and sometimes come in waves. Thus the expression, "When it rains, it pours."
For example, I have a story of struggles. Some of which I'll tell you. Some of which seem small, yet big. Trivial, yet straining.
So I'll tell you about a van named Herbie.
Herbie is an orchestra on wheels. We often hear a symphony of sound as we drive. From the squeak of the brakes, to the growls of the engine, and the roar of the muffler, we have been musically entertained for years. One could say Herbie is a symphonic menagerie.
Now, we have tweaked some of Herbie's tunes and changed the arrangement of several movements over the years, but he never ceases to amuse us in some way.
A few weeks ago, he had a flat tire. We had to replace all four tires, but he was good to go. On the way home, a small stone flew through the highway air and collided with Herbie's windshield. An instant spider-web crack developed. But Herbie made it home.
Several days later, one of Herbie's new tires was flat again. Upon examination by a mechanic, we were told that the tire had a manufacturer's defect and would be replaced. We waited for an appointment to open up. A few days passed, and we were parked at the recreation centre. A soccer team appeared on a nearby field and kicked a ball over the net, over the fence, and right into Herbie's windshield. Herbie must have had a sticker on his hood that said, "Hit me. I dare you." The challenge was met, as five minutes later the same soccer ball hit Herbie in the face again. Needless to say, Herbie was quite smashed by this point. In a row of seven vehicles, Herbie was hit twice, the windshield now destroyed. New glasses and a pedicure were in Herbie's future.
This is only part of Herbie's story.
And Herbie's story is only part of my story.
Other things in life have weighed down, frustrated, hurt and exasperated. Sometimes all at once. Sometimes one thing after another. Sometimes to the point of banging your head on a wall, pulling your hair out and shouting. Sometimes with tears streaming.
Yet joy pursues.
Every morning for the past seven days, I have awoken with a song in my heart. I love it when God does that. Songs of joy to begin again. Songs of praise to glorify Him even in the rough days.
Psalm 27:6 says, "At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices and shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music." (NLT)
Psalm 28:7 says, "He helps me and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." (NLT)
Offerings of joyful singing.
Bursting out in songs.
There is a huge connection between joy and music. God knows this. I think that's why He's been giving me morning songs when I wake. A new kind of symphonic sound to fill my ears and my heart.
Lesson in the journey ... Joy is found in musical love notes.
Friday, April 24, 2015
The Pursuit
"It's a good day to count blessings.
I'm smiling because the sun is shining. The promise of spring peeks its head through the cold. The promise of new life rests on the branches of my magnolia, flower buds just waiting ... there is hope in the bloom; there is JOY in the bloom.
Such is life. Clinging to hope, pursuing JOY ..."
This is what I wrote on my Facebook Timeline this morning.
I always hope to write encouraging things on my Facebook page ~ encouraging for others, but also for myself. There is something to the act of declaring words into your life. Even when life doesn't stand in agreement.
Proclaiming JOY, for instance. Stating the fact that I am in pursuit. I am seeking. I am longing. I declare my desire for more and more of it. And seeing it written makes the time when I am without, a time of refocused purpose. A reminding nudge.
It's funny how things work though. I have discovered something during this past year and a bit ~ the time of my JOY word ~ and it's something that has me a little unsettled, I suppose.
It seems on those days when I proclaim JOY, when I state my desire for it, when I mention the JOY that is to be had, something always comes against it to suck that JOY right out of me. It's amazing, really.
It makes me feel happy inside when I declare it. Something about making that decision to look for JOY in life, heightens my awareness of it, and my need for it.
And then, WHOOMP. Something goes wrong in my day. I actually feel hypocritical for posting about JOY. The JOY raiding party comes in and takes what wasn't supposed to be taken. And along with that, steals my courage to post again about my JOY word.
According to John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (NIV)
And there it is. This "thief" has a purpose, and it is to steal my JOY word. To discourage me from talking about it, from experiencing it, from acknowledging its great value and necessity.
But the beautiful thing is this. Jesus counters that joy-stealer with the reminder that He brings life, and fullness of life ~ and that includes JOY!
So, while it is hard to talk about and declare JOY when things in life don't line up, and when fear tries to convince me that talking about it will only cause joy-sucking events to occur, I will stand with JOY.
I will continue to talk about JOY, to encourage others to see JOY. I will continue to cling to hope, and pursue JOY.
To declare it in and over and through my life.
For my life without JOY isn't living.
I'm smiling because the sun is shining. The promise of spring peeks its head through the cold. The promise of new life rests on the branches of my magnolia, flower buds just waiting ... there is hope in the bloom; there is JOY in the bloom.
Such is life. Clinging to hope, pursuing JOY ..."
This is what I wrote on my Facebook Timeline this morning.
I always hope to write encouraging things on my Facebook page ~ encouraging for others, but also for myself. There is something to the act of declaring words into your life. Even when life doesn't stand in agreement.
Proclaiming JOY, for instance. Stating the fact that I am in pursuit. I am seeking. I am longing. I declare my desire for more and more of it. And seeing it written makes the time when I am without, a time of refocused purpose. A reminding nudge.
It's funny how things work though. I have discovered something during this past year and a bit ~ the time of my JOY word ~ and it's something that has me a little unsettled, I suppose.
It seems on those days when I proclaim JOY, when I state my desire for it, when I mention the JOY that is to be had, something always comes against it to suck that JOY right out of me. It's amazing, really.
It makes me feel happy inside when I declare it. Something about making that decision to look for JOY in life, heightens my awareness of it, and my need for it.
And then, WHOOMP. Something goes wrong in my day. I actually feel hypocritical for posting about JOY. The JOY raiding party comes in and takes what wasn't supposed to be taken. And along with that, steals my courage to post again about my JOY word.
According to John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (NIV)
And there it is. This "thief" has a purpose, and it is to steal my JOY word. To discourage me from talking about it, from experiencing it, from acknowledging its great value and necessity.
But the beautiful thing is this. Jesus counters that joy-stealer with the reminder that He brings life, and fullness of life ~ and that includes JOY!
So, while it is hard to talk about and declare JOY when things in life don't line up, and when fear tries to convince me that talking about it will only cause joy-sucking events to occur, I will stand with JOY.
I will continue to talk about JOY, to encourage others to see JOY. I will continue to cling to hope, and pursue JOY.
To declare it in and over and through my life.
For my life without JOY isn't living.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Coffee with Jesus
Psalm 21 & 22
Again there is victory.
And the joy connection to the triumph.
Shouts of joy ~ because of God's victory. (Ps. 21:1)
King David writes of such joy, such victory, in his psalms.
He writes about having joy from being in God's presence. (Ps. 21:6)
And I wonder about the presence of God.
I wonder about how to be in that state of such joy just by immersing in God's presence.
I think that's the key though.
Immersing.
Soaking.
Absorbing.
Putting yourself fully into Him and allowing Him to reside in you.
And that's not always easy to do.
Battles rage on around us ~ sickness, hurt, relationship breakdown ~ to name a few.
Battles fought and we feel helpless.
We wonder where God is.
We question His presence.
We lose some of our joy.
King David faced various battles for years. Physical battles. Spiritual battles. Relationship battles.
Yet he found joy in the Lord.
Joy in His presence.
He is always present.
His promise to never leave nor forsake, is beautiful. (See Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5)
And so it comes to how willing we are to spend time in His presence.
Dig into the Word of God.
Get to know His character.
Worship Him. Sing to Him.
Talk to Him, as a friend over for coffee. Pray.
Intentionally place yourself in His presence.
And joy will follow.
Psalm 22:26 takes this further and states, "All who seek the Lord will praise Him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy." (NLT)
Lesson in the journey ... There is forever-joy in His presence.
Again there is victory.
And the joy connection to the triumph.
Shouts of joy ~ because of God's victory. (Ps. 21:1)
King David writes of such joy, such victory, in his psalms.
He writes about having joy from being in God's presence. (Ps. 21:6)
And I wonder about the presence of God.
I wonder about how to be in that state of such joy just by immersing in God's presence.
I think that's the key though.
Immersing.
Soaking.
Absorbing.
Putting yourself fully into Him and allowing Him to reside in you.
And that's not always easy to do.
Battles rage on around us ~ sickness, hurt, relationship breakdown ~ to name a few.
Battles fought and we feel helpless.
We wonder where God is.
We question His presence.
We lose some of our joy.
King David faced various battles for years. Physical battles. Spiritual battles. Relationship battles.
Yet he found joy in the Lord.
Joy in His presence.
He is always present.
His promise to never leave nor forsake, is beautiful. (See Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5)
And so it comes to how willing we are to spend time in His presence.
Dig into the Word of God.
Get to know His character.
Worship Him. Sing to Him.
Talk to Him, as a friend over for coffee. Pray.
Intentionally place yourself in His presence.
And joy will follow.
Psalm 22:26 takes this further and states, "All who seek the Lord will praise Him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy." (NLT)
Lesson in the journey ... There is forever-joy in His presence.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Joy in the Stagnant
Words are interesting. They tell stories. They prompt thoughtfulness. They hurt and they encourage.
Sometimes words are so impressed on our hearts that they won't let us go unchanged.
As I've said before, one day, God gave me the word JOY.
It was a word that wouldn't release me.
It held fast and embedded inside so that I couldn't shake it.
It still holds me captive, and I'm okay with that.
It's a quiet reminder that through the irritable, unpleasant, annoying, and hurtful stuff in life that there can be JOY.
It's a driving force that sometimes shouts at me, a pressing reminder that I shouldn't try to escape it's hold.
The other day, another word grasped my attention.
This word wasn't as pleasant.
This word puzzled me.
This word seemed to counter my JOY word.
STAGNANT.
And it kept coming at me.
STAGNANT.
Yet, JOY continued to speak.
It was like a duel going on in my head.
How could JOY be in the same space as STAGNANT?
How could they co-exist?
Stagnant isn't a nice word. It is often used in reference to a pond. A stinky, life-deprived body of water where only unpleasant creatures thrive.
Well.
Where's the JOY in that?
There is none.
That is why JOY continues to gently prod.
JOY continues to poke through the slime, and the stench.
It counters the stagnant, and brings life.
It breaks through the dormant surface and causes ripples.
The stirring on the surface begins to charge upwards, till it explodes with passion, with hope.
And then there is a fountain.
A fountain of living water, pouring out, flowing through.
A refreshing spray.
A breath of newness.
And so, here I stand ...
I am with arms spread out, eyes closed, total abandon, wind in the hair, fountain-spray on my face, ready for life's breath.
Out of the stagnant, into the vibrant.
Sometimes words are so impressed on our hearts that they won't let us go unchanged.
As I've said before, one day, God gave me the word JOY.
It was a word that wouldn't release me.
It held fast and embedded inside so that I couldn't shake it.
It still holds me captive, and I'm okay with that.
It's a quiet reminder that through the irritable, unpleasant, annoying, and hurtful stuff in life that there can be JOY.
It's a driving force that sometimes shouts at me, a pressing reminder that I shouldn't try to escape it's hold.
The other day, another word grasped my attention.
This word wasn't as pleasant.
This word puzzled me.
This word seemed to counter my JOY word.
STAGNANT.
And it kept coming at me.
STAGNANT.
Yet, JOY continued to speak.
It was like a duel going on in my head.
How could JOY be in the same space as STAGNANT?
How could they co-exist?
Stagnant isn't a nice word. It is often used in reference to a pond. A stinky, life-deprived body of water where only unpleasant creatures thrive.
Well.
Where's the JOY in that?
There is none.
That is why JOY continues to gently prod.
JOY continues to poke through the slime, and the stench.
It counters the stagnant, and brings life.
It breaks through the dormant surface and causes ripples.
The stirring on the surface begins to charge upwards, till it explodes with passion, with hope.
And then there is a fountain.
A fountain of living water, pouring out, flowing through.
A refreshing spray.
A breath of newness.
And so, here I stand ...
I am with arms spread out, eyes closed, total abandon, wind in the hair, fountain-spray on my face, ready for life's breath.
Out of the stagnant, into the vibrant.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Fly the banners!
Psalm 20
There are numerous accounts of battles won and lands claimed almost as far back as time began. As soon as sin entered into the great story of life, the tale of good versus evil set roots on the earth.
Think of all the movies we watched and books we read as kids ~ Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King ... and on and on.
Stories are still being created or retold, weaving the threads of lives wronged and lives rescued. Television shows and Hollywood movies continue to tell us in the comfort of our own living rooms.
Real life itself is testimony to the same fact.
There are times of trouble.
Always have been.
King David was familiar with the good and the evil. He was pursued by a madman for years, and then after becoming king, was involved in many brutal battles.
He knew evil.
He knew trouble.
But, he also knew something else.
There is a conqueror.
A victor over evil.
The Good.
Psalm 20 opens with a prayer of sorts, for safety, strengthening, favour, and the answer.
And then the response.
"May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honour our God." (vs.5)
I love that image of flying banners to honour the victor.
Numerous times in history, we have seen the same. When an enemy is defeated, the victor raises his flag as a sign of the victory. A sign of the triumph. A sign of hope claimed.
The symbol of raising something up is synonymous with victory ~ think of raised arms after a goal scored in a sports event, fists pumping the air; think of a hand held up with two fingers in the shape of a 'V'; think of people waving flags or pennants with their favourite team name during a sports game; think of a birthday party with streamers and banners that honour the one whose special day it is.
And shouts of joy ensue.
We lift up those who we deem special; and those who we deem as victors.
What joy for those who put their hope, their claim in the Lord.
Our marriages, our families, our sicknesses, our weaknesses, our finances, our hurts ~ all to Jesus.
We can raise our flags, our banners on each of those things. On each mountain we climb, on each fortress we scale.
What shouts of joy will rise from our lips, pouring out from our hearts.
For there is one ultimate victor in this life.
And He is The Good.
Lesson in the journey ... God's ultimate victory merits our ultimate banner-flying praise.
There are numerous accounts of battles won and lands claimed almost as far back as time began. As soon as sin entered into the great story of life, the tale of good versus evil set roots on the earth.
Think of all the movies we watched and books we read as kids ~ Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King ... and on and on.
Stories are still being created or retold, weaving the threads of lives wronged and lives rescued. Television shows and Hollywood movies continue to tell us in the comfort of our own living rooms.
Real life itself is testimony to the same fact.
There are times of trouble.
Always have been.
King David was familiar with the good and the evil. He was pursued by a madman for years, and then after becoming king, was involved in many brutal battles.
He knew evil.
He knew trouble.
But, he also knew something else.
There is a conqueror.
A victor over evil.
The Good.
Psalm 20 opens with a prayer of sorts, for safety, strengthening, favour, and the answer.
And then the response.
"May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honour our God." (vs.5)
I love that image of flying banners to honour the victor.
Numerous times in history, we have seen the same. When an enemy is defeated, the victor raises his flag as a sign of the victory. A sign of the triumph. A sign of hope claimed.
The symbol of raising something up is synonymous with victory ~ think of raised arms after a goal scored in a sports event, fists pumping the air; think of a hand held up with two fingers in the shape of a 'V'; think of people waving flags or pennants with their favourite team name during a sports game; think of a birthday party with streamers and banners that honour the one whose special day it is.
And shouts of joy ensue.
We lift up those who we deem special; and those who we deem as victors.
What joy for those who put their hope, their claim in the Lord.
Our marriages, our families, our sicknesses, our weaknesses, our finances, our hurts ~ all to Jesus.
We can raise our flags, our banners on each of those things. On each mountain we climb, on each fortress we scale.
What shouts of joy will rise from our lips, pouring out from our hearts.
For there is one ultimate victor in this life.
And He is The Good.
Lesson in the journey ... God's ultimate victory merits our ultimate banner-flying praise.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
The sun is a happy face
Psalm 19
What a fantastic Psalm this is. The scene opens with the heavens crying out to the glory of God. Nature in its fullness. Nature in its purpose.
The heavens declare His glory. (vs.1)
They speak and make Him known. (vs.2)
They speak with no words and the whole earth receives and sees the message. (vs.3,4)
God is great.
God is Creator.
We look towards the heavens and see the sun ~ the great light that provides and supports life to those on the earth.
And the sun bursts forth in radiance. (vs.5)
It rejoices. (vs.5)
It is ever-present. (vs.6)
God placed it in the heavens. (vs.4)
When I was a kid, I often drew a picture ~ you know, the one with a house, some trees, some birds that look like 'm', and the sun in the corner with lines for sunbeams ~ I also put a happy face on the sun. I think it's a common picture. One that most of us have drawn.
And it's no wonder. We see the sun as cheerful. As happy.
This Psalm shows us that the heavens and the sun are happy ~ creation is happy and points to the One who made all things.
The next part of the Psalm talks about God's law, His decrees, His commandments.
Perfect, reviving the soul. (vs.7)
Trustworthy, giving wisdom. (vs.7)
Right, bringing joy to the heart. (vs.8)
Clear, giving insight to life. (vs.8)
True and fair. (vs.9)
More desirable than gold. (vs.10)
Sweeter than honey. (vs.10)
All about God Himself ~ why nature tells of His glory.
He knows what is best for us.
He knows what is good, and right, and true.
He is trustworthy and deserving of our praise and our collective declaration of His greatness.
So I join in with nature and stand in awe of Him.
Lesson in the journey ... God reveals and teaches what brings joy to our hearts.
What a fantastic Psalm this is. The scene opens with the heavens crying out to the glory of God. Nature in its fullness. Nature in its purpose.
The heavens declare His glory. (vs.1)
They speak and make Him known. (vs.2)
They speak with no words and the whole earth receives and sees the message. (vs.3,4)
God is great.
God is Creator.
We look towards the heavens and see the sun ~ the great light that provides and supports life to those on the earth.
And the sun bursts forth in radiance. (vs.5)
It rejoices. (vs.5)
It is ever-present. (vs.6)
God placed it in the heavens. (vs.4)
When I was a kid, I often drew a picture ~ you know, the one with a house, some trees, some birds that look like 'm', and the sun in the corner with lines for sunbeams ~ I also put a happy face on the sun. I think it's a common picture. One that most of us have drawn.
And it's no wonder. We see the sun as cheerful. As happy.
This Psalm shows us that the heavens and the sun are happy ~ creation is happy and points to the One who made all things.
The next part of the Psalm talks about God's law, His decrees, His commandments.
Perfect, reviving the soul. (vs.7)
Trustworthy, giving wisdom. (vs.7)
Right, bringing joy to the heart. (vs.8)
Clear, giving insight to life. (vs.8)
True and fair. (vs.9)
More desirable than gold. (vs.10)
Sweeter than honey. (vs.10)
All about God Himself ~ why nature tells of His glory.
He knows what is best for us.
He knows what is good, and right, and true.
He is trustworthy and deserving of our praise and our collective declaration of His greatness.
So I join in with nature and stand in awe of Him.
Lesson in the journey ... God reveals and teaches what brings joy to our hearts.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Joy in His Presence
Psalm 16
"No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts His praises! ... You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your Presence ... "
(vs. 9, 11; NLT)
David gives a few reasons to be joyful in this Psalm and his heart is stirred to praises and blessings poured out from a humble spirit.
God is a refuge. (vs.1)
He is Master. (vs.2)
He is giver of good things. (vs.2)
He is my inheritance. (vs.5)
He is my cup of blessing. (vs.5)
He is the guardian of all that is mine. (vs.5)
He is the One who guides me. (vs.7)
He is always with me. (vs.8)
He is right beside me. (vs.8)
That's God's part.
Then David states his ~ and our ~ part.
I will bless the Lord. (vs.7)
I know He is with me always. (vs.8)
I will not be shaken. (vs.8)
I have a heart that is filled with joy. (vs.9)
I have a mouth that shouts praises. (vs.9)
I can rest in safety. (vs.9)
And then, again, God closes up the Psalm.
God will not leave me. (vs.10)
He will show me the way of life. (vs.11)
He will grant me the joy of His Presence. (vs.11)
He will grant me the pleasures of living with Him forever. (vs.11)
God's Word tells of His character. Who He is. And then who we are in Him.
Indeed ... no wonder my heart is filled with joy!
Lesson in the journey ... I can be secure in the Great I AM.
"No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts His praises! ... You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your Presence ... "
(vs. 9, 11; NLT)
David gives a few reasons to be joyful in this Psalm and his heart is stirred to praises and blessings poured out from a humble spirit.
God is a refuge. (vs.1)
He is Master. (vs.2)
He is giver of good things. (vs.2)
He is my inheritance. (vs.5)
He is my cup of blessing. (vs.5)
He is the guardian of all that is mine. (vs.5)
He is the One who guides me. (vs.7)
He is always with me. (vs.8)
He is right beside me. (vs.8)
That's God's part.
Then David states his ~ and our ~ part.
I will bless the Lord. (vs.7)
I know He is with me always. (vs.8)
I will not be shaken. (vs.8)
I have a heart that is filled with joy. (vs.9)
I have a mouth that shouts praises. (vs.9)
I can rest in safety. (vs.9)
And then, again, God closes up the Psalm.
God will not leave me. (vs.10)
He will show me the way of life. (vs.11)
He will grant me the joy of His Presence. (vs.11)
He will grant me the pleasures of living with Him forever. (vs.11)
God's Word tells of His character. Who He is. And then who we are in Him.
Indeed ... no wonder my heart is filled with joy!
Lesson in the journey ... I can be secure in the Great I AM.
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