Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- July 5, 2012
“You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased.” Psalm 4:7 NKJV
There is a gladness God gives that cannot be generated by the world. His Spirit brings a smile to a face that faces fiery trials. Jesus gives joy in a job loss or the jettison of an opportunity. The Lord puts gladness in the heart of His children when they hurt or do not feel well. His wellspring of cheerfulness comes in a close relationship with Christ. Indeed, when mortality rubs shoulders with immortality there is an abiding enjoyment.
Happiness based on circumstances comes and goes based on the whims of the world, but God’s gladness is consistent. We can be sad at the state of our affairs and still be glad in God. Grief and joy coexist in Christ as He mourns and rejoices with us. A heart in touch with Jesus needs His truth and comfort. If we obsess over obstacles out of our control we strive in discontent; sad. When we leave the results to God we are content; glad.
“In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” Isaiah 25:9
Furthermore, there is a great gladness that comes by simply and regularly celebrating your salvation in Jesus Christ. Is this old news to you or has your soul never gotten over its freedom from sin and hell and its liberty in the Lord? The good news of your eternal redemption and abundant life in Christ is cause for raucous celebration. Gratitude creates gladness. Appreciation to the Almighty is a recipe for genuine joy.
Lastly, the grace of God is at work in people and in ways we have yet to experience. The evidence of His amazing grace is all around us. Your children, family and friends who have remained true to the faith make you glad. Their smiles make you smile. Their laughs makes you laugh. Their happiness makes you happy. You invested in others spiritually, emotionally and financially—now you are blessed with a harvest of happiness. Above all else, because God has made you glad, your gladness is a gift you give for Him.
“When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.” Acts 11:23
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your gift of gladness, may I give it generously.
Related Readings: Psalm 68:3; 69:32; Joel 2:23; Acts 13:48
Post/Tweet this today: When mortality rubs shoulders with immortality there is an abiding enjoyment. #glad #God
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God already gave us the greatest gift ever, the forgiveness of our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ. We can rejoice in every circumstance because our ultimate goal should be the day we can see God and dwell in his house for all eternity.
One thing I ask of the Lord, this I seek: to dwell in the Lord’s house all the days of my life, to gaze at the Lord’s beauty…
Psalm 27:4
Our pain in this world is only temporary and we have the promise that God will wipe away our tears and erase all the pain we suffered on Earth.
Throgh hard times I remember that my purpose in life is to Love God and praise, adore, worship, serve and be faithful to Him in the good times and in the bad times, in sickness and in health, in wealth and in poverty, and in every test or trail, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
“seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things should be added to you”
Matthew 6:33
That was an inspiring and timely message for me. Thank you.
Thank you for reminding me that God’s contentment can co-exist with my circumstances even when I perceive the circumstances to be bad. I often fail to have faith or patience to wait on the Lord to provide and remain content within His timetable.
This time on earth is the only time we will have to use our faith to depend on the Lord through uncertain evil times, I don’t want to waste my time trying to be happy or content on my own.
Thank you for reminding me that even when I feel alone, I am not because as you said – He is ever present. In the span of one year I was treated for cancer and my husband walked out after 11 years. I have felt rejected, weary, unloved (even though I have a huge support group), and despondent. I have all this head knowledge – and have been praying the Lord would help me feel His presence – or just take me to my eternal Home :). I am grateful that Jesus loves even me…and YOU!