Ask and you will receive that your joy may be full.
John 16:24 NKJV
A conundrum is sometimes defined as a riddle inside an enigma wrapped in a mystery. It's also a fair description of more than one scripture that has challenged me through the years. Like today's verse on asking and receiving. I read it and immediately get lost in a tangled web of sentences that all start with but or what-if.
Yet, when the journey of reason becomes so convoluted I think I may never find my way back, I take a tip from an atheist who's writing I have always admired. Mark Twain said, "It ain't the parts of the Bible I don't understand that bother me. It's the parts I do!" If I'll back off and focus on what I know instead of getting lost down rabbit holes, life-and scripture-make a lot more sense.
From this verse, what I know is when I ask Jesus for something and receive it, the cycle is a whole lot of fun!
I was going through a particularly wearisome time of spiritual dryness. I had just finished one book and was casting about trying to envision the next, but nothing was working and I drifted into such a slough of despond that I wasn't sure I cared if I ever wrote again. Too much hard work. Too little reward. God had many excellent writers in His fold. He didn't need me.
That was when I picked a prayer journal from the shelf and began thumbing through. I was amazed at how many victories had slipped by without my notice. Troubles had been solved. Growth had taken place. Moods had changed. And, all of it had progressed almost stealth through my days. Where had I been when that prayer was answered? Why didn't I notice the cloudy mood I prayed about was lifted in less than seventy-two hours?
I pulled down another journal. Forgotten memories surfaced like neglected friends. With such a body of evidence demonstrating that my efforts and choices made a difference in life, what gave me the right to think new dreams, new prayers and new horizons weren't worth pursuing? The experience was like coming up from under water and taking a deep breath of fresh air. Just like Moses had assured the Israelites, remembering yesterday created courage for tomorrow. [1]
There are still many things I don't understand about this verse. I haven't got a clue how Jesus could give such a powerful blank check to humans who have a penchant for making unreasonable, selfish requests. I don't understand why sometimes when Christians make perfectly logical, needed request; they don't seem to receive from God. But I know I am a weaker, sadder person when I fail to grab hold and bask in the sunshine of each answered prayer no matter how small or large.
[1] Deuteronomy 7:18
Showing posts with label laughter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label laughter. Show all posts
Monday, February 20, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The Joy of Being Chosen
You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you. John 15:16 NKJV
Only hours before His crucifixion Jesus looked around at the men who for three-and-a-half years had given up everything to follow Him and said, "It is not that you have chosen me, but that I have chosen you." This was not a statement minimizing their sacrifice but a truth to hold on to if they would weather the fast approaching storm.
Being chosen by Jesus, made them secure. Because He knew their past, nothing back there need haunt them. He saw it all from the beginning and chose them anyway. Because He knew their present, He was never surprised or disappointed by their weakness. He knew their problems better than they did and He chose them anyway. Because He knew their future, no sin they might commit, no failure, no laziness or anger or misconception on their part would ever make Him turn away. He knew these things from the beginning and He chose them anyway.
But there was more.
Being chosen meant that Jesus had a goal in mind for their life. They were chosen to bear fruit. They would never drift without purpose or direction. If in the future they felt their life was going nowhere or wondered about the meaning of it all, they could rest. He had picked them for a purpose and He will not let that purpose fall flat.
Yet, above the security and purpose involved in being chosen, there was one more privilege that outshone them all. Because they were chosen, they had direct access to God the Father. As the fruit of character and life grew inside them, they would know more what it meant to ask "in Jesus name." Using that name, they would ask and asking, they would receive.
Remembering that He had chosen them would provide security and courage in the dark hours just ahead. It was a solid rock in the coming storm. And, it can also be a rock for us. After all, we've been chosen, too.
Only hours before His crucifixion Jesus looked around at the men who for three-and-a-half years had given up everything to follow Him and said, "It is not that you have chosen me, but that I have chosen you." This was not a statement minimizing their sacrifice but a truth to hold on to if they would weather the fast approaching storm.
Being chosen by Jesus, made them secure. Because He knew their past, nothing back there need haunt them. He saw it all from the beginning and chose them anyway. Because He knew their present, He was never surprised or disappointed by their weakness. He knew their problems better than they did and He chose them anyway. Because He knew their future, no sin they might commit, no failure, no laziness or anger or misconception on their part would ever make Him turn away. He knew these things from the beginning and He chose them anyway.
But there was more.
Being chosen meant that Jesus had a goal in mind for their life. They were chosen to bear fruit. They would never drift without purpose or direction. If in the future they felt their life was going nowhere or wondered about the meaning of it all, they could rest. He had picked them for a purpose and He will not let that purpose fall flat.
Yet, above the security and purpose involved in being chosen, there was one more privilege that outshone them all. Because they were chosen, they had direct access to God the Father. As the fruit of character and life grew inside them, they would know more what it meant to ask "in Jesus name." Using that name, they would ask and asking, they would receive.
Remembering that He had chosen them would provide security and courage in the dark hours just ahead. It was a solid rock in the coming storm. And, it can also be a rock for us. After all, we've been chosen, too.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Sing a Merry Tune
David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to sing joyful songs, accompanied by musical instruments: lyres, harps and cymbals. I Chronicles 15:16
Did you know a human may well be the only thing in God’s creation that sings? I’ll admit that the point is arguable. It depends on exactly what you mean by “sing.” However, by all accounts our human experience of this phenomenon is unique. Birds chirp various tones, but they are bound to repeat these same tones and can never make up any other. Many animals express emotion by various vocalizations, but the purr of a cat or the bray of a lonely donkey can hardly be called music. Even angels are said to speak rather than sing out their praise (Luk. 2:13-14). God can sing (Zep. 3:17) and people sing, but the rest of creation? Not really.
Happiness, joy and celebration are closely tied to music. Before the temple was built, David set up a system where music would be flowing 24/7 (I Co. 9:33) as they sang day and night in the house of the Lord. And, in the early church (as today) music was a vital part of every gathering. They even sang to each other (Eph. 5:19) and no one seemed to bother with whether one could carry a tune.
Music is one of the few things that carries a double blessing. When we praise, it lifts the spirit of others and then ricochets to lift our own heart as well. Got a bad mood going and want to break the spell? Sing! It can be the fastest route to restoring joy and a positive attitude.
Did you know a human may well be the only thing in God’s creation that sings? I’ll admit that the point is arguable. It depends on exactly what you mean by “sing.” However, by all accounts our human experience of this phenomenon is unique. Birds chirp various tones, but they are bound to repeat these same tones and can never make up any other. Many animals express emotion by various vocalizations, but the purr of a cat or the bray of a lonely donkey can hardly be called music. Even angels are said to speak rather than sing out their praise (Luk. 2:13-14). God can sing (Zep. 3:17) and people sing, but the rest of creation? Not really.
Happiness, joy and celebration are closely tied to music. Before the temple was built, David set up a system where music would be flowing 24/7 (I Co. 9:33) as they sang day and night in the house of the Lord. And, in the early church (as today) music was a vital part of every gathering. They even sang to each other (Eph. 5:19) and no one seemed to bother with whether one could carry a tune.
Music is one of the few things that carries a double blessing. When we praise, it lifts the spirit of others and then ricochets to lift our own heart as well. Got a bad mood going and want to break the spell? Sing! It can be the fastest route to restoring joy and a positive attitude.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Happy Understanding
Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words [of God]. Nehemiah 8:12 NIV
Celebrations seldom occur without a reason. We meet to celebrate something, not just because we feel good at the moment. A birthday, anniversary, sports victory or even the changing of the seasons can be reasons to celebrate. But have you ever thought of celebrating just because you finally understood something new?
Celebrating knowledge is not a totally foreign idea. We press into new territory learning a computer program or job skill or craft. We try and struggle and even despair then suddenly the light-bulb goes off and everything “fits.” We pump a fist in the air and shout, “Yes!” But, our celebration is most often short lived and often private.
When the Jews returned to Israel after seventy years of captivity, many had forgotten the Hebrew language. But as Nehemiah and the Levites read the scriptures and translated the meaning in a language they could understand, the people wept. The new knowledge was dangerous. As the writer of Hebrews would later say, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God.” (Heb. 10:31). However, their fear was quickly changed as Nehemiah reminded them that understanding God was a good thing and the Almighty was pleased. Secure in that grace, the people began to celebrate with great joy. They were getting to know the Ruler of the Universe! That was a reason for a first class party to begin!
It’s a reason for us to celebrate, too.
Celebrations seldom occur without a reason. We meet to celebrate something, not just because we feel good at the moment. A birthday, anniversary, sports victory or even the changing of the seasons can be reasons to celebrate. But have you ever thought of celebrating just because you finally understood something new?
Celebrating knowledge is not a totally foreign idea. We press into new territory learning a computer program or job skill or craft. We try and struggle and even despair then suddenly the light-bulb goes off and everything “fits.” We pump a fist in the air and shout, “Yes!” But, our celebration is most often short lived and often private.
When the Jews returned to Israel after seventy years of captivity, many had forgotten the Hebrew language. But as Nehemiah and the Levites read the scriptures and translated the meaning in a language they could understand, the people wept. The new knowledge was dangerous. As the writer of Hebrews would later say, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God.” (Heb. 10:31). However, their fear was quickly changed as Nehemiah reminded them that understanding God was a good thing and the Almighty was pleased. Secure in that grace, the people began to celebrate with great joy. They were getting to know the Ruler of the Universe! That was a reason for a first class party to begin!
It’s a reason for us to celebrate, too.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Rejoice! God Remembers Your Work!
Well done, good and faithful servant; Enter into the joy of your lord! Matthew 25:21
When I was a young mother the most frustrating thing about housework was the fact that in never stayed done. I would work hard then watch what I had accomplished fall apart in less than one day. At the time, I thought the endless cycle of futility was the housewife’s curse. Then I took a job and suddenly realized ALL work is temporary and doomed to decay. Even the pyramids are slowly turning back into sand.
This seemed sad, until I found two reasons the Bible gives for rejoicing in our work. First, is the immediate satisfaction found in finishing each temporary task and, second, is the joy of knowing no task is really temporary because God never forgets!
Solomon spent years trying to figure out what was good about life and in the end came to this conclusion: “I know that there is nothing better for men than to [. . . ] find satisfaction in all his work—this is the gift of God.” (Ecc. 3:12-13). Whether we are painting a wall, making a bed or sending memos to congress, our daily work is a gift. If we embrace the satisfaction of each completed task, we have an immediate joy that lifts our spirit.
We also have a second joy because God never forgets our work. None of it. The One who is so meticulous He doesn’t forget to reward even a cup of cold water given in the name of a disciple (Mat. 10:42) will not overlook you (Heb. 6:10). Guaranteed.
Are you feeling overworked and underappreciated today? Focus your emotions on the immediate reward of knowing you have done the job well and focus your hope on tomorrow when Jesus says, “Well done!” You may find the load a lot lighter.
When I was a young mother the most frustrating thing about housework was the fact that in never stayed done. I would work hard then watch what I had accomplished fall apart in less than one day. At the time, I thought the endless cycle of futility was the housewife’s curse. Then I took a job and suddenly realized ALL work is temporary and doomed to decay. Even the pyramids are slowly turning back into sand.
This seemed sad, until I found two reasons the Bible gives for rejoicing in our work. First, is the immediate satisfaction found in finishing each temporary task and, second, is the joy of knowing no task is really temporary because God never forgets!
Solomon spent years trying to figure out what was good about life and in the end came to this conclusion: “I know that there is nothing better for men than to [. . . ] find satisfaction in all his work—this is the gift of God.” (Ecc. 3:12-13). Whether we are painting a wall, making a bed or sending memos to congress, our daily work is a gift. If we embrace the satisfaction of each completed task, we have an immediate joy that lifts our spirit.
We also have a second joy because God never forgets our work. None of it. The One who is so meticulous He doesn’t forget to reward even a cup of cold water given in the name of a disciple (Mat. 10:42) will not overlook you (Heb. 6:10). Guaranteed.
Are you feeling overworked and underappreciated today? Focus your emotions on the immediate reward of knowing you have done the job well and focus your hope on tomorrow when Jesus says, “Well done!” You may find the load a lot lighter.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
God's Fun Food
The men spent three days there with David, eating and drinking, [. . .] Also, their neighbors from far away [. . .] came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules and oxen. There were plentiful supplies of flour, fig cakes, raisin cakes, wine, oil, cattle and sheep, for there was joy in Israel! I Chronicles 12:40 NIV, abridged
I think food gets a bad rap these days. Yes, the Bible condemns gluttony (Php. 3:19; Pro. 23:21) and America has a shocking rate of obesity. But, those are very different subjects than joyfully consuming what God has provided with gratitude and celebrating life with abundant food. In fact, both my personal experience and work as a professional counselor have convinced me those who are overweight seldom really enjoy food. Jesus welcomed celebrations built around food so much that others accused Him of being a glutton (Mat. 11:18).
The Bible regards food as a blessing (Neh. 9:25; Lev. 20:24). God could have created us without taste buds or to live on water alone, but He didn’t. He gave food color and texture and variety. Sweet and sour, savory herbs and starches, the choices are almost limitless. In the Old Testament, He chose food to be a method of worship (Lev. 23:5-14) and in the New Testament Jesus selected food to be a way we would remember Him (I Co. 11:26).
The next time you sit down to a delicious plate, resist the urge to dive right in. Pause. Savor the moment. God provided this goodness especially for you. Eat with celebration and gratitude for His delightful gift!
I think food gets a bad rap these days. Yes, the Bible condemns gluttony (Php. 3:19; Pro. 23:21) and America has a shocking rate of obesity. But, those are very different subjects than joyfully consuming what God has provided with gratitude and celebrating life with abundant food. In fact, both my personal experience and work as a professional counselor have convinced me those who are overweight seldom really enjoy food. Jesus welcomed celebrations built around food so much that others accused Him of being a glutton (Mat. 11:18).
The Bible regards food as a blessing (Neh. 9:25; Lev. 20:24). God could have created us without taste buds or to live on water alone, but He didn’t. He gave food color and texture and variety. Sweet and sour, savory herbs and starches, the choices are almost limitless. In the Old Testament, He chose food to be a method of worship (Lev. 23:5-14) and in the New Testament Jesus selected food to be a way we would remember Him (I Co. 11:26).
The next time you sit down to a delicious plate, resist the urge to dive right in. Pause. Savor the moment. God provided this goodness especially for you. Eat with celebration and gratitude for His delightful gift!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
God's Laughing Plan
A time to weep, and time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance. Ecclesiastes 3:4
Like most people, I live under the domination of a clock. A stopwatch sits on my desk marking off the minutes and at the end of every week I check to make sure 40 hours have been recorded. If I didn’t use a clock to force discipline, the minutes, days and weeks would slip away with no work accomplished. But, I’ve learned the hard way that work is not the only thing that needs to be fitted in the schedule. Fun must be honored with designated time, too.
God did not choose to give us a life free of difficulty, but that doesn’t mean long faces are the only mood of which He approves. Laughter and dancing are also part of His plan. If we ignore these fun, relaxed times of celebration we avoid a good thing He ordained. When the pressures mount and workload is high, it is more important than ever to be intentional about our laughter!
One way to be intentional is through purposeful gratitude. When shadows creep, I set my mind to find five things every day that feel good. Even the tiniest, most inconsequential event can bring a whisper of joy. If I’ll pause and cherish the thing as it passes, gratitude replaces a glum outlook and soon life is worth living again.
Another way to incorporate fun is putting something on the clock. I can’t force my heart to laugh, but I can set aside one hour to watch a funny video or read a light-hearted book. I can’t giggle without a reason, but I can schedule time around people who are laughing and before I know it, I am laughing, too! According to God’s schedule, that is a good use of time.
Like most people, I live under the domination of a clock. A stopwatch sits on my desk marking off the minutes and at the end of every week I check to make sure 40 hours have been recorded. If I didn’t use a clock to force discipline, the minutes, days and weeks would slip away with no work accomplished. But, I’ve learned the hard way that work is not the only thing that needs to be fitted in the schedule. Fun must be honored with designated time, too.
God did not choose to give us a life free of difficulty, but that doesn’t mean long faces are the only mood of which He approves. Laughter and dancing are also part of His plan. If we ignore these fun, relaxed times of celebration we avoid a good thing He ordained. When the pressures mount and workload is high, it is more important than ever to be intentional about our laughter!
One way to be intentional is through purposeful gratitude. When shadows creep, I set my mind to find five things every day that feel good. Even the tiniest, most inconsequential event can bring a whisper of joy. If I’ll pause and cherish the thing as it passes, gratitude replaces a glum outlook and soon life is worth living again.
Another way to incorporate fun is putting something on the clock. I can’t force my heart to laugh, but I can set aside one hour to watch a funny video or read a light-hearted book. I can’t giggle without a reason, but I can schedule time around people who are laughing and before I know it, I am laughing, too! According to God’s schedule, that is a good use of time.
Monday, November 7, 2011
The Contagious Laugher of Answered Prayer
And Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, so that all who hear will laugh with me.” Genesis 21:6
What could be more delightful than having a dream come true and a nagging doubt put to rest at the same time? That was Sarah’s experience when her long-awaited baby was born. It was so much fun her husband, Abraham, even named the little boy “Laughter” for this is what the word “Isaac” means.
They had waited more than twenty years for this little bundle of miracle and when at last they held him in their arms, their joy knew no bounds! Neighbors got in on the celebration. Visitors laughed out loud when they heard the story. Even today the story of how Sarah’s scoffing laugh of unbelief (Gen. 18:10-14) was turned to the genuine laughter of joy (Gen. 21:6) brings a smile.
But Sarah and Abraham were not the only ones to experience contagious laughter when prayers were answered. Psalm 126 was written as the Jews returned from captivity to their native land. God had promised they would come back, and they had! How positive the future looked! What fun to stand again in Jerusalem! What joy to actually see God’s hand moving in world events! Their joy was so contagious even their heathen neighbors found a reason to laugh as they shook their heads in amazement saying, “The Lord has done great things for them!”
Have you had a prayer answered lately? Don’t keep it to yourself! There is far too little joy in this world. Add your own note to the melody of praise. Jesus said we should ask “that your joy may be full!” (Joh. 16:24) When you share an answered prayer the joy creates ripples of laughter that—like waves when pebbles are cast into still water—roll on and on and.....
What could be more delightful than having a dream come true and a nagging doubt put to rest at the same time? That was Sarah’s experience when her long-awaited baby was born. It was so much fun her husband, Abraham, even named the little boy “Laughter” for this is what the word “Isaac” means.
They had waited more than twenty years for this little bundle of miracle and when at last they held him in their arms, their joy knew no bounds! Neighbors got in on the celebration. Visitors laughed out loud when they heard the story. Even today the story of how Sarah’s scoffing laugh of unbelief (Gen. 18:10-14) was turned to the genuine laughter of joy (Gen. 21:6) brings a smile.
But Sarah and Abraham were not the only ones to experience contagious laughter when prayers were answered. Psalm 126 was written as the Jews returned from captivity to their native land. God had promised they would come back, and they had! How positive the future looked! What fun to stand again in Jerusalem! What joy to actually see God’s hand moving in world events! Their joy was so contagious even their heathen neighbors found a reason to laugh as they shook their heads in amazement saying, “The Lord has done great things for them!”
Have you had a prayer answered lately? Don’t keep it to yourself! There is far too little joy in this world. Add your own note to the melody of praise. Jesus said we should ask “that your joy may be full!” (Joh. 16:24) When you share an answered prayer the joy creates ripples of laughter that—like waves when pebbles are cast into still water—roll on and on and.....
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