I keep reading this verse from Proverbs…it’s circled in my Bible and I can’t seem to open it without laying eyes on it.
Those living far away fear Your wonders; where morning dawns and evening fades You call forth songs of joy. Proverbs 65:8
When I walk on the dirt roads around our neighborhood, there are many times when I can see both the sun and moon adorning the sky at the same time. It has caused a lot of awe and wonder in my heart. It always seems significant, but it wasn’t until I read these words in Proverbs, yet again, that I immediately saw this wonder.
Where morning dawns and evening fades, is the space where I go walking. In that space, He calls forth my songs of joy! How amazing is this?!
Continually, God is bringing me back to joy. He is infusing within my heart a capacity to remain joyful in all things. This time in history is an opponent of joy. So many things hang in the balance. So much seems lost. Lives are being destroyed by terrible lockdowns in many states, and for what? People’s health is being negatively affected by wearing masks all the time, and why?
Instead of cowering away and living in fear, what if we burst forth in songs of joy. Deliberate acts of joyfulness are most useful right now. Thinking of ways to spread joy to others could be life altering. The joy of the Lord is our strength, never forget that. Don’t ever let those words lose their power. The JOY of the Lord is our strength.
I encourage you to take today to purposefully be joyful. I encourage you to reach out to others in ways that you know will cause joy to abound within them. Don’t be so distracted by the troubles of this world that you forget how to be a blessing to others.
Today, I encourage you to live out this verse…
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
Allow that blessing to fall upon you, but also determine to release that blessing over others today. Let’s be the light we hope to see. Let’s live the change we long to see.
Prayer Moment: God, I ask that today You would give me creative and simple ways to bless others. Place in my path those who You desire me to bless. Give me wisdom and courage to reach out. Anoint my actions so they will bring peace to others. I am Yours completely, and in Your peace, I find my rest. I adore You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
365 Days in the Presence 