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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
FridayPicture: Soldier (sword)Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18 (emphasis on v17b-18); Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 18:37-39; James 4:7Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:Close your eyes and envision a two soldiers in the midst of a sword fight. One is well prepared and knows exactly when and where to strike; the other is in complete panic. Just like a soldier trains for war and knows how to use his sword appropriately and accurately, we too must be ready to use God’s powerful word in times of distress. Of all the pieces of armor of God, the sword is the only offensive one. In closing of this great passage, it’s also important to note that continual prayer in the Spirit for self and others is addressed. Fervent prayer helps keep all pieces of armor in place.Explain a time when you used God’s word to help you gain a victory in a battle whether it was mentally, emotionally, or physically. Is there a verse or a passage that you are currently focusing on or memorizing in order to keep your sword sharp and ready for battle? Write it here.Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Wednesday
Picture: Bride (His proposal)
Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-3; Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 1:17-18; John 3:16; Revelation 22:16-18
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Take a minute to think about one of your favorite wedding proposal stories. Think of the detailed planning and the excitement of the event. In the same way, God invites each one of us personally (and all of us collectively) to respond to His loving invitation to become His own. If we answer “yes”, the joy He has is immense. This is the beginning of a LONG TERM relationship, one full of His love; the more time we spend with Him, the more understanding we have of this love.
When did you respond to Jesus’ invitation of “Come to Me”? Explain.
In this long term relationship with the Lord who is 100% faithful, what are your strengths and weaknesses as you walk with Him each day?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Tuesday
Picture: Bride (His pursuit)
Scripture: Jeremiah 31:3; Hosea 2:14-15; Isaiah 41:9-10; Psalm 37:23-24
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Envision a man taking the woman he loves on dates, holding her hand, bringing her flowers, and writing her love notes. Likewise, God is chasing each one of us with His love! He longs to reassure us of His commitment to us day in and day out.
What are ways that can help you be aware of His daily loving presence?
What are some of your favorite worship songs that declare God’s love for you? Write the titles here and then consider listening them today.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Friday
Picture: Bride (our response, now and later)
Scripture: Psalm 27:8; Song of Solomon 3:4; Ruth 1:16-17; Phil. 3:7-11; Revelation 21:1-7
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Take a minute to think of a bride saying her vows to her husband on her wedding day. Hear her say these words of committed love as well as see her put a ring on the groom’s finger. In the same way, our response to God’s great love is to love Him back with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Of course we will not do it perfectly on this earth, but there again, our God is patient with our human-ness, and He honors our humble desire to please Him. Someday in heaven, we WILL be without sin, and it is in this state and place that we will experience the full reality of the long-awaited wedding feast.
In light of God’s great love and faithful commitment to you, write down some “vows” or responses that you want to tell Him concerning your part in this relationship (perfect on His part, imperfect on our part).
What are you looking most forward to when the final and perfect wedding feast occurs?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Monday
Picture: Bride (His initiation)
Scripture: Jeremiah 9:24; Isaiah 43:1; Isaiah 45:4-5; John 15:16; 1 John 4:10
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
In your mind’s eye, see a man making the first phone call to someone he is very interested in getting to know. On a much grander scale, it’s important to remember our God is the One who “first loved us”. We have done nothing (and can do nothing) to earn this love. He IS love; all He does is motivated from this unconditional source.
Are you convinced of God’s love? Why or why not?
Explain a time when God showed His love toward you in a very personal way.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Thursday
Picture: Bride (His vows)
Scripture: Hosea 2:19; Isaiah 54:4,10; Isaiah 62:5; 1 Corinthians 13:4-13
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Think of a wedding ceremony. See the groom making promises to his bride as he puts a ring on her finger to pledge a lifelong commitment. Much like this, but even better because of perfection, God vows His faithful love to His people. He loves His church! His promises to us are almost to good to be true, and yet they are ALL true and they will last forever. His Spirit now lives in us…His love lives IN US! He is 100% faithful and committed to this relationship. He promises to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5b).
Which promise in the above verses speaks to you the most right now? Why?
Aside from today’s verses, are there any other promises in the Bible that you cling to concerning God’s great love for you? Write them here.
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.