Tag: joy

Summer Psalms: Silent Witness, part 2

~ Barbara ~ 2 Comments

Last week we read that the silent witness of nature wordlessly proclaims the existence and majesty of God. Anyone can know Him through the wonder, grandeur, and power of nature. In the verses that follow, Psalm 19 describes the power of God’s words—what I call the silent witness of the Word.

These blessings come to us through God’s words:

  • They are perfect.
  • They revive our souls.
  • They are trustworthy.
  • They make us wise.
  • They give us joy.
  • They give us insight for living.
  • They are true.
  • They are fair.
  • They are sweet and desirable.
  • They warn us.
  • They reward us when heeded.

Do you want your soul to be revived? Do you want wisdom and joy in your life, insight and warning to keep you safe? They are our reward for absorbing the Bible—because its words are perfect, trustworthy, true, fair, sweet, and desirable.

When gifted speakers explain the Bible and inspire us, the force and authority of their words come from the Book they’re preaching from. The Word of God is expounded on from pulpits and lecterns, broadcast over the airwaves and displayed on our televisions, and we respond with raised hands or voiced amens. That’s all wonderful, but if we rely solely on these means, we miss out.

The way to receive the Bible’s blessings is deeper and quieter than listening to riveting preachers and gifted teachers. It is through the silent witness of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. When we are in quiet, thoughtful meditation, the Spirit reveals God’s heart and stirs ours. We are able to absorb His words and process the light He gives us. In our stillness, He expands our understanding and inspires obedience, bringing us joy in the process.

Learn to love the silence. Selah often—pause and calmly think about God and His Word. The posture of a bowed heart allows access to the powerful, silent witness of the Holy Spirit.  

Image by Tep Ro from Pixabay

More about Joy

~ Barbara ~ 7 Comments

Meet David. He is our 46-year-old son, our fourth child. David has many limitations, the chief ones are his inability to speak and his intellectual simplicity. But he has many assets, such as faith, a worshiping heart, and JOY. He is the happiest person I know.

There is no problem or distress too big for God, so David prays. About everything. And then he walks away with joy because God’s got this. You may have skimmed over the words “about everything.” That is not an exaggeration.  

On our way to church Sunday morning, we saw two police cars with flashing lights. One officer was headed to the back of the house, the other to the front door. Prayer is as natural as breathing for David. He folded his hands to signify that we needed to pray. We prayed for the people who had a problem, for wisdom for the police, for safety for all involved. Amen.

No, not amen. This was not enough for David. He signed “Jesus.” The prayer wasn’t over until we asked that everyone involved would know Jesus. David’s faith was activated, and his joy was complete. Amen.

So I ask, could I be the deficient person? Me, with my great understanding, who can stress over media reports, or personal bad news that drains my joy? It’s certainly not David. His simple prayers are enough for any stressful situation because he lives Nehemiah 8:10:

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Pure Joy!

~ Barbara ~ 1 Comment

Where do you see the most smiles?  At baby showers? Birthday parties? Weddings? Many celebrations are joy-filled, with participants wearing wide grins. But a few days ago, we attended our grandson Ty’s graduation from Liberty University, and I do believe the big smiles on the graduates’ faces topped those at any other type of celebration. They were contagious; everyone was smiling!

The significance of a graduation is multifaceted. The accomplishment of passing tests and writing papers is combined with a student’s first foray from home. Now they turn their tassels and toss their hats in triumph, anticipating a future that will make use of their achievements. No wonder smiles beam from every face.

If you know me at all, you can anticipate where I’m going with this.

I envision the day our smiles will exceed those of the class of 2026. We too will be robed, not in throw-away gowns but in righteousness. We will have made it, written our stories, passed the tests, and graduated with honors.

We will hear, “Well done.” We will toss our crowns before our Father. Our “tassels” will turn from the earthly war we waged to the heavenly victory we face.

Full, complete, unmarred joy will be ours. Pure joy!

“Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.”
Matthew 5:12