"Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10
When a friend and fellow TEAhM 413 member was recently diagnosed with cancer, he and his wife, DeEtte, were determined to fight it and even more determined to not let the disease steal their happiness. They attacked each day with humor and a little sarcasm to the dismay of some. To which she wrote, "I wish everyone understood that our world is made up of people who deal with things differently and that Larry and I chose to approach all things with humor (even sarcasm or satire,) even CANCER, because we aren't ever going to let this get the best of us and because that is who we are and what we do, together! Our humor makes a difference in our lives in a good way just like your negativity makes a difference in a bad way..."
The book of Nehemiah tells the story of how the people were weeping openly when they heard God's laws and realized how far they had strayed from it. Like a disease, sin had spread through their hearts and they were overcome with sadness at their condition. But Ezra was telling them that, no matter what they had done, the day was holy and their was no need for sorrow by instructing them, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." And it's in that joy that they could find the strength to put their lives back together. Elliott's Commentary says this, "You will make nothing of it by indulgence in lamentation and in mourning. You will have no more power for obedience, you will not be fit for your work, if you fall into a desponding state. Be thankful and glad; and remember that the purest worship is the worship of God-fixed joy."
So, no matter what you might be facing today, let us take delight in knowing that God is our refuge. Let us be joyous as we praise and worship him in the storm, in the calm and in everything in between. And as my friend so wisely said, humor does indeed makes a difference.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of laughter. It can surely transform tears of sorrow into praises of worship. Help us to keep the joy in our hearts that we might find strength knowing that you are our refuge. I pray for Larry and DeEtte today Lord. I pray that they would be filled with abundant joy each and every day. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Joy of the Lord - Rend Collective
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