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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: Body (a heart to beat)
Scripture: Jeremiah 17:9; Jeremiah 24:7; Jeremiah 32:38-41; Psalm 86:11-13
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
When the Bible speaks of “the heart” it encompasses the thoughts, feelings, and desires of an individual, not just his or her emotions. With this truth in mind, close your eyes and think of your own heart. Today’s focus is twofold: 1. the heart of man, left to himself, is deceitful, BUT, 2. we are not left without hope! God can transform any repentant heart into something beautiful. It is important to note, that when our individual hearts beat for Him, they collectively beat as one.
Do your thoughts, feelings, and desires line up with God’s thoughts, feelings, and desires found in His word? Explain.
What has God recently laid on your heart and how have you responded to His nudging?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Friday
Picture: Body (a mouth to proclaim)
Scripture: Psalm 34:1-3; Acts 8:25-40; Romans 10:11-17
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Close your eyes and see yourself explaining something to someone, whether it’s how to change a tire or how to fix a special recipe. In the same way, we have the great privilege of sharing the Good News of Christ. In the presence of one or many, we can praise Him for who He is and what He has done in our lives, and we can proclaim Him by speaking about His truths found in Scripture.
Did you come to know Christ through someone who shared the gospel with you? Explain.
How does this person and his or her witness challenge you?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Tuesday
Picture: Soldier (armored boots)
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-15 (emphasis on v.15); Psalm 18:29-36; Isaiah 61:1; Romans 16:20
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Think of a soldier putting on his combat boots. He makes sure they are the right size and securely laced. Likewise, in order for peace to occur, we too must be prepared to pursue and defeat the enemy. We fight not only for our own freedom but also for those who are held captive.
Do you put your “combat boots” on daily, making you ready to crush the enemy? Explain.
Who in your world needs to hear the Good News so they can be set free and finally have peace? What are they struggling with? Consider calling them or taking them to coffee/lunch.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Wednesday
Picture: Soldier (shield)
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-16 (emphasis on v.16); Hebrews 11:6; Psalm 18:1-3; Psalm 91:4
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Envision a soldier’s protective shield. The ancient Roman shield was “made from goatskin or calf skin which was stretched over sturdy pieces of wood. It stood four-feet long and three-feet wide…Before going into battle, Roman soldiers drenched their leather-covered shields with water. When the fiery arrows of their enemies struck these soaked shields, the flames were immediately extinguished” (The Armor of God pamphlet, Rose Publishing). Just as this shield protected the soldier physically, our shield of faith protects us from the fiery darts spiritually. God will always stay as BIG as He is, but sometimes our shield (our belief in this big God) becomes small. We are then left to an all out attack from the enemy .
Has there ever been a time, or are you currently wavering in your faith in God’s promises due to life’s circumstances? Explain.
Write out at least three promises of God and use them all day long as your protective shield to quench the fiery arrows of the enemy.
Thursday
Picture: Soldier (helmet)
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-17 (emphasis on 17a); Ephesians 2:1-9; Colossians 3:1-2
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Think of a soldier putting on and securely fastening his helmet before battle. He understands a blow to the head is deadly, so it’s carefully applied. Likewise as believers, we must apply the helmet of salvation. In doing so, we choose to focus on the beautiful GIFT of our salvation in Christ as well as the hope of our future that is coming; when doing so, our minds are protected from the present earthly temptations around us. Carefully and slowly read this insightful excerpt by theologian Alexander MacLaren: “The helmet of salvation. This salvation in its present form will keep our heads in the day of battle. Its very characteristic is that it delivers us from evil, and all the graces with which Paul equips his ideal warrior are parts of the positive blessings which our salvation brings us. The more assured we are in our own happy consciousness of possessing the salvation of God, the more shall we be defended from all the temptations that seek to stir into action our lower selves. There will be no power in our fears to draw us into sin, and the possible evils that appeal to earthly passions of whatever sort will lose their power to disturb us, in the precise measure in which we know that we are saved in Christ. The consciousness of salvation will tend to damp down the magazine of combustibles that we all carry within us, and the sparks that fall will be as innocuous as those that light on wet gunpowder. If our thoughts are occupied with the blessings which we possess they will be guarded against the assaults of evil. The full cup has no room for poison.”
What dominates your mind, your present troubles or your future hope? Explain.
What is something you look forward to in your heavenly home? Meditate on this with a thankful heart all day today.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Monday
Picture: Soldier (belt and breastplate)
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-14; Psalm 119:160; 2 Corinthians 5:21
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Take a minute to think about any soldier dressed and ready for combat. This week we will be looking at a soldier spiritually applying the armor of God in order to fight the daily battle of evil. With the application of ALL these pieces of armor, the soldier is able to stand firm (Ephesians 6 repeats “stand firm” many times.) Due to the multiple pieces of armor, today’s focus is BOTH the belt and breastplate. The soldier fastens himself tightly to the truth of God’s word. And then, the breastplate of righteousness is one that was purchased at the cross. It is an honor to put it on.
Is you belt completely fastened to His truth rather than what culture is tell you is true? Explain a lie of culture that is tempting to believe.
Are you wearing His righteousness or trying to be righteous on your own through doing good works? (One way to help you answer this question is to check your motives for doing the good works.)
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1: 4-5
Dear Lord,
You and only you give true life! Enter in and shine your light through us so that we can be candles in the dark, hope in chaos, truth in trials, and comfort in grief. Ignite us with your glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.