Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by Your name, O LORD, God of hosts.
Jeremiah 15:16 ESV
In Eugene Peterson’s A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, he writes that joy is a mark of the “authentic Christian… [one who is] on the way of salvation. Joy is characteristic of Christian pilgrimage.” Peterson continues, “Joy is not a requirement of Christian discipleship; it is a consequence… it is what comes to us when we are walking in the way of faith and obedience.” Jeremiah’s words reflect the decision to live in God’s abundance. Despite circumstances, God is constant and certain. His word speaks to us today, just as it did to Jeremiah.
"The inevitable result of genuine salvation is joy! The joy found in Christ is like an inexhaustible well, satisfying the most desperate thirst." [Blackaby Study Bible Notes] Summer personifies the hot, thirsty spiritual places in our lives. We crave a long, cool drink of water. In the ordinary spaces of summer’s heat, we find resting spots under a shady tree or an umbrella at the beach, walking through a garden of new vegetables or blooming flowers, watching a baseball game or the backyard birds. Sometimes we just need to hit pause. Summer begs us to take a break, to relax and refresh. Enjoy the laughter of friends together, take the dance-in-the sprinkler chances, buy the sidewalk-lemonade, value the unpredicted, simple moments. Let the promises of God mark you with joy! Then, share the joy!
Lord, Your words have been recorded for me, gathered to encourage me, endured to restore me. Increase my faith so I can see Your abundant blessings in all times. Let Your Joy be my joy to share! - dho
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