March 26, 2020

God Brings Joy

Good morning Friends, 

I am wondering, have you have felt an undermining of your joy during this coronavirus outbreak?

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Psalm 94:19 (NIV)

When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. Psalm 94:19 (ESV)

Consolation – the comfort received by a person after a loss or disappointment.

Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Matthew 6:25 (NIV)

These verses bring to mind a story I heard from the wife of a godly man. Her husband had spent the better part of a half hour reciting his woes. He was feeling overwhelmed by commitments. He had been feeling sick, there was tension at work, he had just returned from a long flight and was experiencing jet lag. One of his friends called to tell him he was getting a divorce. He had begun worrying and complaining, he let the dismay, gloom and dejection of life settle in. His wife said he knew better – he was a godly man, a leader in the church, even preached from time to time. 

After hearing him speak for more than a half hour she asked him a simple question. “Honey, is God in this anywhere?” At this the man realized that he had not talked to God, he hadn’t consulted or turned these things over to God. That is when he remembered the words of Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

After remembering these words, he went off to work, opened his Bible and through the words of God he found relief. God brought joy into his heart. Let’s look at a few more scriptures to gain a little more understanding. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. John 14:1 (NIV)

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 (NIV)

But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)

What are roots to a tree? Strong holds. A firm foundation and a source of nutrient.

Next time we begin to grumble, complain, show fear, or worry, let’s put our roots of trust down deep and pray to the Lord, trusting that he will take care of our every need. Please remember only turning to the lord helps us overcome. This will bring joy.

God Bless you my friends, 

Pastor Dennis