Our theme of joy is fueled greatly by this wonderful psalm of praise. For each petition, I found myself exclaiming, “Yes!” God does all of those things. He actively interacts with his people, and some things never change. James 1:17 has a beautiful picture of our loving, giving God. “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”
The gift of His Son, Jesus, is the perfect gift we celebrate this time of year. That’s why we wrap presents and give them to our loved ones. A delivery arrived just today, and I was anxious to pull out gifts and set them aside for next week. It’s sad to know many people don’t know about the gift of a Savior we celebrate. Christmas to them is just lights, candy canes, and more stuff, throwing in a little holiday cheer!
Those are the people who might not feel like worshipping when reading our Advent text. Those are the lost ones Jesus came to save, along with us. How can we reach them so they can share in our rejoicing?
The joy we experience because of the great God we adore and celebrate is also a gift. It’s hard to understand joy without understanding the love of our Savior. He also keeps his promises, brings justice, heals us, lifts us up, protects us, and the one that always gets me, God cares for orphans and widows.
I’ve seen God moving in remarkable ways for the orphans I spend time with. My friend and the founder of the girls’ home is also a widow, so they are especially blessed. When God speaks to my friend, she listens and waits. Her blessings tend to come when she least expects them or thinks they are on their last dollar. God is always moving and caring for them, and for us.
Aren’t you overjoyed (there’s that word, joy, again!)? As followers of Christ, we are so cared for. Sometimes we take God’s provision for granted. Sometimes the sacrifices we make are painful. I know being away from family at the holidays is hard for me, but the other 98% of the year, I’m over the moon to be stationed as a missionary far from home.
Our home is where God has planted us. It’s temporary. Our eternal home is being prepared for us. In the meantime, we can rest in God’s love and provision. It may not look how we expect, but when God moves and gives us his peace, it’s easy to rest in His embrace. These verses boost our joy.
“The Lord will reign forever,” the psalmist says, and to that I say, “Amen!” Jesus came once, and he is coming again. His reign has only begun. Just think, we’ll get to be there with Him “forever.” Take some time to sing some praise songs today or even a few Christmas carols to lighten your spirit and draw you to Jesus.
Let’s pray. I praise you, LORD, for your mercy and grace. Thank you for never abandoning me. May I keep your light burning brightly. Use me, God, to touch your lost children in some way. I’ll follow your lead. Let them hear of your great love for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
