Our Joy is God’s Glory

The Lord, often times, places us in circumstances and situations where we are charged to demonstrate how He makes the difference.  Yes, places where it is expected to bring grief and pity parties.  Even the saints of God will give the permission to do so.  However, it is not until we “intentionally” and “diligently” receive and embrace God’s deliverance in our situation with joy,  can we bring God what He deserves, Glory!

In Nehemiah 8, we can read where the Israelites listened as Nehemiah read the law of Moses after they had returned from Babylon captivity.  In listening to the law, the congregation began to grieve.  They were brought to themselves to see just how guilty and sinful they were compared to the lovingkindness & faithfulness of God, the Father.  Their tears were understandable.  They were faced with how through the years they failed to give God the attention not only He expected but deserved.

Though the tears are an appropriate response to a Holy and Merciful God,  their Joy would not come until they were able to receive God’s refuge.  God has indeed caused our joy in Him to be the way He gets wondrous glory.  The wrath of God is true, but He made us for His glory (I Corinthians 10:31).  He wants us to experience His soul-satisfying joy so much so that we share our joy with others and they, too, receive God’s gift of Joy.
 
God’s ultimate plan for us is to receive His gift of Joy, Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  Jesus is our greatest treasure in life.  He saves, delivers, loves us so that we are able to endure what may further kill the common man.  Embracing God’s Plan, His Christ, His Savior allows us to have a super and miraculous resiliency.  In whatever trial or calm, we must sing, “I will bless thee, Oh Lord!!”

PRAYER: Lord, we thank You for the state of Joy.  It is hard to define, but we know how Your Joy, Your Christ satisfies our soul.  We are able to rejoice, though we are hurt, persecuted or in lack.  You are our fuel for this life.  And we say, Thank You, Lord for You make the difference.  It is in Jesus’ Name we pray.-Amen!
By Sis. Lisa Williams