Do It!

December 6, 2012

In the Psalms, we are told to clap many times.  Why clap?  Why not squat, or turn our neck, or wiggle our ears?

I have read several articles on the benefits to the human body that clapping provides.  In fact, some believe it heals diseases.  Clapping stimulates blood circulation…at least according to some health gurus.  It makes sense, if you think about it.  

I’m thinking it must do the body good, or we wouldn’t be instructed to do it so much. 

Here’s what clapping does for me: it’s fun, when others join in it’s encouraging, it builds the more that people clap, and usually joy or shouting follows…

Here’s an example: 

At church when we sing a cool song, a few start clapping because the beat is clappable (is that a word?).  Others start to clap because it’s contagious.  As the clapping grows louder, people start clapping not because of the beat but because of what we’re singing about – HIM.  And when the song is over, a roar of clapping is lifted in praise to the One we’re singing about!

When’s the last time you clapped for health reasons?  Start singing and start clapping, and do it harder, louder, and raise your hands as you clap.  Share with me what happens!

The Joy Robe

December 5, 2012

Did you know God removes our sackcloth clothing and instead adorns us with joy?

Just what does wearing a sackcloth look like?  Sackcloths were usually torn, made of abrasive material, and often accompanied with ashes…to symbolize mourning.  But they were never intended to be part of normal, everyday wear.  Imagine wearing an abrasive cloth all the time – eventually our skin would bleed and perhaps become callous.  And yet, many of us live in sackcloth…and ashes.

Psalm 30 says he clothes us with joy.  

Just what does wearing joy look like? Joy means that we are full of gladness.  About our situation?  No.  About our Savior.  Wearing joy means we choose to allow Him to gently remove the sorrow, heal the abrasions, wash off the ashes, and heal us.  It’s a work HE has to do.

Sounds like a plan, but it’s not easy for some. The sackcloth sticks to some of us like glue, so the tearing off hurts.  The joy isn’t visible because the pain is too real.  

Wailing and sorrow release emotions.  And after the release, JOY is waiting for your arms to slip into it, your hands to pull it around you, and HIS strength to sustain and keep it beautiful as you wear it!

Joyful Shouts

December 4, 2012

Psalm 27: 5, 6 says, “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.”  

The above verses imply that:

·         Yes, there will be trouble all around – but there is a safe place in Him. 

·         Yes, heavy storms and rain will fall – but there is rock on which I can stand and not drown.

·         Yes, enemies will taunt me and surround me – but I will be above it and not be moved by it.

Those three truths above are then enough for me to offer a “sacrifice” by shouting with joy, singing, and music to my Lord. 

When trouble is present, you’re in a heavy downpour and you hear hateful things – try shouting for joy – not because of the trouble but because of the One who rescues you and sets you in a place of safety.

Joy in the Walk

December 3, 2012

Yesterday’s devotion was about his laws, statutes, etc. and how they bring joy.  I think the reason we struggle with that concept is because the lawgivers of our land, those who are over us, often lead us down wrong paths, are harsh in dealing with us, and we certainly don’t feel joyful when we’ve broken a law and are handed a ticket with a huge fine to pay.

Most of the laws and precepts handed to us in real life aren’t handed to us with love – they’re handed to us with consequences if we don’t obey.  They are often made for our safety if we follow them, but they also bring fear with them if we don’t.

Another psalm says we are made glad with the “joy” of His presence.  There’s the difference. HIS presence is offered to us while we follow his ways.

We can’t follow a list of laws and commands in our own strength.  We will fail.  We will push the boundaries and often fall off a cliff.  But instead of being handed a fine of sorts, HE hands us mercy and grace and pulls us up to walk with him again.

He’s this cool Shepherd that walks along beside us to guide and lead us. All we have to do is follow.  And that’s why there’s joy in His presence.  The fear of falling is gone, the shame in wandering off only to realize we’re lost is erased, and all that’s left is joy in walking beside him.

Say What?

December 2, 2012

Law, statutes, precepts…those words sound somber…not joyful – right?  When I think of law, I see a cop pulling me over to hand me a ticket.  Statutes – aren’t those insurance terms – with limitations?  And precepts?  That’s an old word for lists of moral conduct. So what do these have to do with JOY? Everything!

Psalm 19 says the Lord’s laws are perfect – reviving the soul.  His statutes are trustworthy – making wise the simple.  And his precepts are right – giving joy to the heart.  Say what? It further says his commands are radiant – giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure – enduring forever.  And get this – his “ordinances” (municipal rules) are sure – altogether righteous!

All of those words that nowadays evoke serious, boring, and lackluster emotions, when read in this context are words of life!  In other words, God’s boundaries for us, his guidelines, and commands are all for our good. They’re not just good, they’re illuminating and offer joy to our hearts!

Enough said. This is something we all need to ponder and consider and marvel at – JOY comes from following His laws, statutes, precepts, commands, fear…and ordinances.  

Need a little light in your eyes?  Follow his commands, and be filled with joy.