The JOY of the LORD

What did GOD delight in? What brought the LORD joy day after day while HE created the heavens and earth and everything in them?

HE saw what HE had made and said, “It is good!” (see Genesis 1).

That wasn’t all that brought GOD joy, for other texts tell us that within the GODHEAD the THREE each loved and delighted in ONE ANOTHER. HE also delights in those who seek HIM. Just like my greatest joy is knowing GOD and spending time with HIM in HIS word and prayer.

But I also find great joy in what HE delights in, HIS creation and those who love HIM.  Seeing the beauty of a sunrise, the flowers on my plants and even clouds in the sky will lift my spirit and bring me joy, giving me strength by refocusing me on the awesome characteristics of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.

Who would have thought that my strength is determined on what I choose to think about?  But I find that it does.

“The JOY of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

Whether it is simple irritations like the cat knocking things off my desk, concerns over countless struggles my children and grandchildren are facing, or disturbing reports of the global disasters, wars, or even just the cost of eggs, it is too easy to get my eyes onto distractions and off my great ALMIGHTY GOD and HIS promises.

AW Tozer said, “Sometimes when we get overwhelmed, we forget how big GOD is.”

But GOD’s word says, “All this is for your BENEFIT, so that the GRACE that is Reaching More and More People may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of GOD. Therefore, we do not lose heart… For our light and momentary TROUBLES (in comparison) are ACHIEVING for us an eternal glory that FAR OUTWEIGHS the pain and struggles of today. (2 Corinthians 4:15-17).

That says that the things we and others encounter in life are meant for our good, to cause us to reach out to GOD and find HIM (Acts 17:26-27) so that we may live forever with HIM in a sinless and wonderful new world (John 3:16).

So, if we FIX our EYES not on what is seen (the situation), but on what is unseen (choosing to trust what GOD has said, that HE is ACHIEVING through the situation) we can find joy and peace in the midst of the storm.

For what is seen (the situation) is temporary, but what is unseen (what GOD is ACHIEVING) is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:18).

It is written, “The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). So choose joy.

GOD is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), HE changes not (Malachi 3:6). GOD so loved the world HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM will not perish but have ever lasting life (John 3:16).  Find joy in the LORD and grab ahold of HIS promises by simply believing HIM.

“For the LORD GOD, the HOLY ONE of Israel says in returning and rest (in ME) shall you be saved; in quietness and in confidence (in ME) shall be your strength..” (Isaiah 30:15).

No matter what you are facing, let the joy of the LORD be your strength by simply trusting HIM.

Hugs

Sharon

Just do what’s right

Nobody on earth is perfect.  But, like Paul we need to say, “Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I MAKE EVERY EFFORT to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by CHRIST JESUS (Philippians 3:12 CBS).  “I can do all things through CHRIST which strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

You (who believe in JESUS) are of GOD … and have overcome … because greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).

When you were saved, the SPIRIT of CHRIST (Philippians 1:19) (one of the HOLY SPIRIT’s names) came to live within you and sealed you as GOD’s possession (Ephesians 1:13). This means you are no longer your own, you were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). You now belong to the LORD and are to live in a manner that reflects CHRIST.

Have you ever considered how some of our attitudes and actions grieve the HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 4:30) who is sealed in us until the day of Redemption?  Our actions and thoughts can also hinder our prayers for GOD will not hear our prayers if we cling to sin (Psalm 66:18).  By refusing the nudges of the HOLY SPIRIT we give Satan room to work in and through us (Ephesians 4:27).

In Romans 12:1-2 we are urged by the mercies of GOD, to present our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, ^[acceptable to GOD, which is your spiritual service of worship. And we are told not to be conformed to this ^[world’s ways and thoughts but be transformed by the renewing of our mind (in HIS Word), so that we may prove what the will of GOD is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

How do we do that? “Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will make your paths straight.  Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7). The HOLY SPIRIT will enable you if you pray (ask) (Hebrews 4:16).

Fearing the LORD is more that just reverential AWE of our GOD.  It is a healthy fear: fear HE won’t hear our prayers because we hold on to a sin and it is fear of the discipline HE promises to give all HIS children HE loves that need it (Hebrews 12:6-7, 11).

It’s obvious to us that lying, adultery, and stealing are wrong, and we are often quick to criticize them harshly.  But too often we tolerate and excuse sinful attitudes and emotions in ourselves like assumptions, judgments, snide remarks, gossip, anger, bitterness, resentment, and an unforgiving spirit. Every area of our life is affected when we refuse to extend to others the understanding, long-suffering, forgiving grace GOD freely extends to us.

Take for instance snide remarks. They can really hurt a sensitive spirit.  I once suffered greatly when people mocked and made fun of my mistakes because of my inability to hear.  I pulled back and isolated myself until I learned to release my hurts to JESUS. Even today, there are times I have to turn to GOD to help me forgive and reach out.

Not knowing what might hurt another is one reason we are commanded to walk in/ follow the nudges and leading of the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 8:1, 4-5, Galatians 5:16-18).  If we are listening to the HOLY SPIRIT we cannot go wrong.  

Only GOD knows what will hurt another and it is only through the HOLY SPIRIT that HIS fruit, the CHRIST-like nature flows through us to meet the needs of others (John 7:38-39).  The HOLY SPIRIT enables us to see others through eyes GOD’s eyes of grace and mercy and to hear GOD’s instructions (Philippians 2:13) so that we can be the hands and feet of GOD.

The familiar command JESUS gave on the Sermon on the Mount—to treat others the same way we want them to treat us (Matthew 7:12) is still in effect.  JESUS still says, “And why call ye ME, LORD, LORD, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46).  JESUS also says: “If you love ME, keep MY commandments (John 14:15).

As Paul said to Timothy, I say to myself and to you, ^“Meditate upon these things; give yourself wholly to them; that your PROFITING (growth) may appear to all (1 Timothy 4:15) and GOD be glorified.

Hugs

Sharon

A place of safety

“GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

As I drove home from work at the Space Center I’d often spot antelope traveling in herds.  Between Colorado Springs and where we lived in Ellicott is an antelope reserve.  It is a place of refuge, a safe place, no hunters allowed.  As the song goes, “where the deer and antelope play” Along that stretch of road I never saw one deer, but I saw many frisky young antelope frolicking with their graceful mothers sedately grazing nearby.  They could only do that because they felt safe.

We too can feel safe for GOD is our refuge, our safe place where we can run to when there is danger, or we are confused.  “Let us come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

“GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Hugs

Sharon

In GOD’s hands

It is GOD who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure (Psalm 18:32).

We can be sure that the Lord will give us the strength we need and will take care of us. Besides all that JESUS prays for us to develop in us HIS own divine qualities (Hebrews 7:25).

Isn’t that awesome?

Hugs

Sharon L Manning