FATHER, I AWAKE TODAY to the sound of the morning birds; there are turkeys and quail and crows and blue jays and a host of smaller birds, and all are singing a song of joy to you as the sun comes with its warmth and light and gently but firmly pushes darkness over the western hills. You quietly remind me, “And how much more valuable you are than the birds!” (Luke 12-24) Through my window I see that a very slight breeze is stirring the needles and branches of the pine trees. My morning reading is in the O.T., “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed.” (Isa. 55:12-13) I know that the promise in the Isaiah text is for a future time, perhaps now, when all of scattered Israel is being gathered in. But it is also, I believe, indicative of the response of gratitude from all who Jesus gathers into the kingdom of heaven. And in such gatherings, not only is your name ever renowned, Father, it is done so in joy and with gratitude.
Paul, despite the many and great trials he endured, says resoundingly, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” He cautions that we turn away from our fears, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” And, he adds we receive a supernatural ability to bring clarity and balance to our lives in all circumstances. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:4-7) Elsewhere he advises, “Set your hearts on things above, not on earthly things.” (Col. 3:1) But he also counsels, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Phil. 4:8) These same thoughts are often expressed by practitioners of positive thinking, and we wish them well. But the peace of God only comes from God; it is knowledge, wisdom, and power of a completely different order.
And so, Father, I reflect and think about such things, and am utterly convinced that it is only in you that what is ‘true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy’ is birthed. All these attributes are only possible because of you. Your creation is rooted organically out of who you are and these same attributes can be seen in your creation, if we but look for them. Thank you, Father, for the sun that shines, the birds that sing, the wind that rustles through grass and trees, these are all reminders of you, the Father of our lives, the Father of my life, the Father of all life. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psa. 118:24)
And you take my thoughts beyond creation to maker and purpose, something you always knew, and which I only know dimly. You take me beyond general revelation to special revelation, and in that, you take me to Jesus, the agent of creation and new creation. (cf. Prov. 8, Rev. 21:5) Peter says of this, “Though you have not seen him, you love him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Even the angels long to look into these things.” (1 Pet. 8-9,12c) Father, for this day, and all days, and eternity, I am thankful.
Q. How do I experience, not happiness, but joy?
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