It’s Time To Dance And Have A Celebration
Ξ September 13th, 2007 | → Comments Off | ∇ Christian Living, Family, Growing In The Lord, New Christians |
Welcome back!
Most days, it seems that there is no reason to feel happy. The bills are due. The family needs something. People don’t feel well. The car needs work. Everything is pressing in and robbing us of the happiness or even being content. The world is intruding to the point that it would be better to just sit down and take a nap. Maybe it will all go away while you sleep. But it doesn’t. It’s still there everyday.
But it does not have to be that way. When I started to experience the joy of the Lord, it was amazing. The day was always brighter, fresher. I wanted to dance and celebrate…often. Nothing could make me sad and nothing could make me mad. NOTHING! And when I first learned this, I had an ex-husband who was bound and determined to make someone sad or angry. But the joy of the Lord prevailed and it even made my ex wonder what was going on. He changed his mind about trying to get anyone upset. It was such a blessing then and it’s a blessing now even though I no longer have that problem.
God says:
Neh 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Did you catch that? He says that “the joy of the LORD is your strength“. Does that make you feel happy? It should. It’s time to dance and celebrate when you see this. That says that the JOY of the Lord, who is your Father, gives you your strength. This is spiritual, mental and physical strength we are talking about!! That was one thing that I had doubts about when I first heard about this scripture since I had been having so much trouble in my life. But when I felt the love of the Lord come into my life, I could not help rejoicing! It was so awesome. It was like all the cares of the world lifted off my back and I was so light on my feet. It was a feeling that I had not ever had.
So, what brings on the joy of the Lord that is our strength? I have found that if I study my Bible and ask God what things mean, He not only gives me the answers…sometimes months later on some questions….this knowing that He is in charge and taking care of things brings on a joy and contentment that I used to rarely have in my life. Joy was something that I could see in others but not inside me. It was so illusive for me before. God changed all that.
Now, the joy of the Lord happens more often. One of the times that I feel the joy of God in my heart is when I’m writing these posts on Topshelf. It is such a joy to be able to write these things down so that others can find the same things I have found in the Lord…to seek His Face and to abide in His love under His feathers (Psalm 91).
How about it? You up for having the joy of the Lord in your heart every day? Grab hold of that joy and never let go. By the way, it does not mean that you are bouncy happy all the time. Sometimes sad things come in but when that happens, you can apply the joy of the Lord to the situation and be free to have the Peace of God that passes all understanding come into your life because the joy of the Lord resides in you. (Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.)
For those who have not yet asked Jesus into your hearts, please consider that now. He will forgive you of all your sins, yes, ALL of your sins regardless of how bad they may be. He died on the cross so that you would not have to. When Jesus comes into your heart, the joy of the Lord has come. If there are days that it does not feel like it, please do not go by feelings which are fickle but by the knowledge and assurance that Jesus is inside you and that God has things under control.
If you have asked Jesus into your heart but you are not living the way you should, please take the time now and talk to Him, ask forgiveness for your sins and begin again. God will bring you to where you should be when you do that.
Information on this and other questions can be found at Lura’s Bookcase. If you would like to know more about asking Jesus into your heart, please click on God’s Greatest Gift. Thank you for coming here and reading today.
