Joy in the Lord

I love a good, cheesy Christmas movie.

Do you like watching Hallmark Christmas movies? They are so predictable, it's comforting. Or perhaps that’s why you hate them- it's the exact same plot, just different actors and slightly different scenery. I love them most of the time, because it’s comforting to know there is going to be a happy ending. Why do we escape into movies like that, or shows, or anything else? We are all searching for something- something better than what is going on in our town, our country, our world. We are searching because our souls crave it. Our souls need something better than what is here. And you know what? If you’re feeling that way, you’re right. We were designed with this special place in our heart and soul. A place only one thing, one Person, can fill. 

We don’t need to depend on a Hallmark movie to bring us joy- we can depend on God.

Lately, I’ve been feeling anything but joy. The problem is, there is no real ‘culprit’ for me feeling bad. Just the usual droning on of life, I guess. Being a middle aged adult and the changes that come with middle life- not just with yourself, but also your life around you. It fills me with anxiety and comes out as anger. I ran to God, pleading to change me, fix whatever was stirring inside me. I opened my bible (again, Open it!) and pleaded with God to just show me His presence, to speak through His word and bring reassurance. 

Now, when we truly come to God, He shows up. When we open the bible, He will speak up. Through my devotional, I came to Psalm 40. It is written by David, and He loved God. He also had lots of problems. I mean lots. But he still ran to the Lord and had faith He would help. 

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. 

Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds. I would never come to the end of them.  (Psalm 40:1-5)

No matter what, it is important to come to the Lord with praise and gratitude. It is not that God has a big ego and expects this; it is because it opens our hearts to His true nature. His love. His forgiveness. His ultimate desire for us to know Him. Who would go to the point of dying a criminal’s death, so that people may know their love? (Philippians 2:5-11) No one. 

In psalm 40, I love how brutally honest David is. 

Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me.  Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles surround me—  too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head.  I have lost all courage. Please, Lord, rescue me!  Come quickly, Lord, and help me.  (Psalm 40:11-13)

How often are we to admit our faults? I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to. It feels so shameful and like everyone will point a finger at me. We can misunderstand God that way, too. But let’s try to be more like David. Our sins are too many to count- yes, they are. No matter how good of a person you are, we still fall short and have a sinful nature. This is not to discourage you, but rather, to encourage you. God knows already. David came to Him, admitting “trouble surrounds me” and “sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out.” He admitted to losing courage to face God! I felt an immense relief with David’s testimony. I know God forgives me, but to read this lamentation being poured out to God- what a good example of how we can approach our Lord. Come before Him in prayer, and admit how you fail. God will scoop that up, and return with love. Have you felt that before?? You admit failure and are returned with love. I know the whole world needs that. 

If we continue reading down Psalm 40, David is met with that love and mercy, and expresses how his lamentations become joy.

But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”

As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts.You are my helper and my savior.  O my God, do not delay. (Psalm 40:16-17)

When we search for God, an immeasurable peace will surround you. It cannot be explained scientifically, or measured with scales. But your soul- that aching area that feels empty, or shameful, or regretful, will notice a shift. A reassurance will come over you. Your days will be better, though you may be going through a hard season. And dare I say- you will find Joy.

An unspeakable joy that will carry you through each day. 

As I read this Psalm, and literally prayed the same words, God so gently said in my spirit, “I never required you to do it alone,” speaking of hard things in this season of life. I realized I had been holding God at arm’s length, not wanting Him to see my shame or guilt. But at exactly the right time, when I approached Him with a heavy heart, He held it in His hands and showed me that all He wants is me. 

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

I hope you give it a try. You are so very loved. 

Put it into practice:

• Read through the entirety of Psalm 40. 

  
  

• Pray the words and sit in stillness. Let God come to you and notice how He shows up.

  
  

• Buy a devotional. They are so helpful to guide you to areas to read in the bible. I bought my favorite one at Publix! Open them up and see what speaks to you. 

I am not a Bible scholar or preacher, I am just a girl who loves Jesus. This is my interpretation of things I have learned. I hope it can encourage you and lead you to the bible to see the truth for yourself. :-)

Access your bible from anywhere. BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages. (n.d.). https://www.biblegateway.com

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.