Blog Categories
Respite For the Weary
All too often, we go about our days with our hearts closed up. We're all business. We're in a hurry. We're stressed. Pause for a moment to spend time with the Joy Giver? Not an option because there's just too much to do.
In my soon-to-be-released children's book Christmas Morning, a little girl delightfully opens one gift after the other. Each gift takes her on a wonder-filled adventure which is portrayed through the whimsical illustrations. The third gift, wrapped in vibrant paper, is one of my favorites. The little girl reaches in and pulls out a..."happy little music box."
When the little girl opens it, music like she has never heard before begins to play. It's so melodious and inviting, she can't help but rise up and dance all around her living room. She is filled to overflowing with JOY! This opened-up music box and the dancing little girl is meant to symbolize the joy that Jesus brings to all those who know him as Savior.
All too often, we go about our days with our hearts closed up. We're all business. We're in a hurry. We're stressed. Pause for a moment to spend time with the Joy Giver? Not an option because there's just too much to do.
But listen to what Jesus says in his word about joy:
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
A joyful heart is good medicine... Proverbs 17:22
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music. Psalm 98:4
For you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. Psalm 63:7
I think one of God's greatest desires is to see his children worship him with a heart that's full to overflowing with joy. His joy is not merely a fun emotion. Nor is it based on circumstance; rather, it's rooted in knowing God and believing in his promises, no matter the circumstance. There is both depth and height to this fruit of the Spirit!
What song can you listen to today that rhythmically proclaims God's truths? Do you need to be reminded of his goodness? his love? his presence? his power? Pick a song, turn it on, and rise up! This choice song may be the very medicine you need!
Become the little girl in this story. Open up the vibrant music box. Get off the fast track, take some un-wasted time, and dance.
...For the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
Tuesday
Picture: Tree (the watering)
Scripture: Psalm 1(emphasis on verse 3a); Isaiah 44:3-5; John 7:37-38
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Meditate on a flourishing tree next to a flowing river. The streams of water equal both God’s word and His Spirit nourishing our hearts—we need Him and His word within our hearts the way His creation needs a consistent water supply within roots, trunks, and branches.
Is your soul weary and dry? In what ways?
Are you getting enough Living Water? Explain its benefits when you do.
Write a prayer using the daily verses as a reference:
Friday
Picture: Tree (bearing fruit)
Scripture: John 12:24; John 15:8-11; Galatians 5:18-25
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you?
Close your eyes and envision any kind of fruit tree that is ready for harvest. This fruit has reached this point due to all the previous concepts we have looked at this week: seed, soil, roots, watering, growth, and pruning. Likewise, we bear spiritual fruit due to God word’s and His Spirit continuously at work in our lives.
In what ways is the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc) flourishing in your daily interactions with people?
Is the Lord using you to bear fruit for His name in any particular ministry or people group?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:
Wednesday
Picture: Vessel (cleansing and repairing)
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:20-22; Titus 3:3-7; Jeremiah 2:13; Psalm 34:18; Psalm 147:3
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Take a minute to think about a dusty vase being thoroughly washed underneath a flowing faucet. Now, think of a broken vase being gently and precisely glued back together. These two pictures represent: 1. confessing our sin and receiving the cleansing act of forgiveness from the Lord, and 2. allowing the Lord to repair our broken hearts from these sins or from harsh life circumstances.
Is there currently anything you need to confess in order to receive cleansing? Does your vessel stay in the same broken state due to ongoing sins? Explain.
Are you broken due to a deep wound? Explain. (Consider reaching out to a godly friend or mentor who will both encourage you and keep you accountable. Write his or her name here.)
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:
Thursday
Picture: Vessel (pouring in)
Scripture: John 2:1-10; Romans 5:5; Ephesians 3:19-20; Psalm 119:11, 57
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Close your eyes and visualize someone pouring clean water into a crystal vase. This picture represents the miraculous gift of the Holy Spirit (as well as God’s word) being poured into our hearts. His Word and Spirit create beauty within us, which creates newness of life every day.
Can you give an example of a specific circumstance in which you know you felt God’s Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control pour into you? Explain.
Is there a time in which God’s word spoke directly to your heart in a certain situation? Explain.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:
Tuesday
Picture: House (foundation)
Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:3-4; John 14:6; Matthew 7:24-27; 1 Corinthians 3:11
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Take a minute to think about the concrete foundation that is laid before the building of any home. Much like this firm foundation (and more so!), God never changes or shifts. He is the unshakeable Rock. Jesus Christ laid down His life so that we can build our house on His eternal truths. The more we know Him through His word, the more we understand the security of our foundation.
Are you building your life on His rock or sinking sand? Explain.
Write out a few biblical truths that you want to build firmly upon so that you know your “house will not fall”.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Monday
Picture: House (Builder/Architect)
Scripture: Psalm 127:1; 1 Chronicles 28:11-12, 19; Jeremiah 29:11-13; Hebrews 3:1-6; 11:8-10
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Close your eyes and visualize the detailed architectural plans of a residential home. Much like these plans, God has laid out every detail of our lives, start to finish. Just as God spoke to King David in regards to the physical temple that was to be built, He speaks to us through His word concerning our daily plans.
Do you consider your Builder trustworthy or do you have plans of your own? Explain.
What are some specific life plans that God has revealed to you as you have trusted in His word?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and glory and honor and blessing. - Rev. 5:12
Dear Lord,
Today remind us of your majesty so that we will then be in awe of your mercy. You, King of kings, marched to the cross. How can this be? Thank you for your willingness to pay the price for our sins. May we now live for you in humbled gratitude. In Jesus' Name, Amen.