A Few Words: Psalm 47:1

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Joy (Elements of Existence) #AtoZChallenge

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Clap your hands, all you nations;
shout to God with cries of joy.
Psalm 47:1

New International Version (NIV)

We all have so much that we could celebrate in this life and yet there are so many who go through life disgruntled and never attaining the joy that God meant for us to have. Then again, what do many of us celebrate? We have special days of the year and special events in our lives, but those joys are fleeting, quickly becoming hazy memories of past moments of glory that are soon trampled by what we see as the drudgery of our lives. We should be happy, but often we can find many reasons not to be.

Yet we do have every reason to allow joy to well up within us leading to rejoicing and praise. God has done so much for us. Have you come to recognize that? God has not only given you life here on Earth, but the salvation that will provide you an eternal life in Paradise. Is that not a reason to shout to God with cries of joy?

The bottom line is that hope, peace, and joy are yours if you are willing to believe in what God has done and receive his grace that will provide you salvation. It's a gift for you to willingly accept. Once you have learned to trust in God's promises and providence then you can feel the gifts within you.

If a friend hands you a gift do you accept it? God is presenting his gift to you. It's yours for the taking. Receive it and be blessed for eternity.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

New International Version (NIV)

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Where Is the Celebration?

English: Gian Lorenzo Bernini - Dove of the Holy Spirit (ca. 1660, stained glass, Throne of St. Peter, St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Clap your hands, all you nations;
shout to God with cries of joy.

Psalm 47:1

New International Version (NIV)

There are always parties and celebrations going on somewhere in the world, but often the pain and suffering seems to supersede all of that. You probably hear as much complaining around you as I do and like I do you may do your fair share of complaining sometimes. Sure, I suppose I can always find something to gripe about, but I'm probably looking at life the wrong way when I do.

Life is short. Life is a marvelous gift that God has given us and so often it is squandered. I guarantee you that you don't have to look too hard to realize that there is a lot more in this world to celebrate than there is to be unhappy about. Still many hang on to the negatives and try to drag everyone else down with them.

I think I'll lift my face heavenward and give God a big round of applause. God, You made this all perfect and we keep screwing it up. Sorry Lord, but please forgive me for my negative contributions and give me a charge of Your positive energy.

I feel better already. The celebration is right here.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.