“Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.” (Psalm 63:7, NLT)
Charles Stanley once wrote about a particularly difficult week in his ministry, when one small action by a faithful soul changed his entire day. Stanley wrote:
“There are people whose circumstances give them good reason to complain and yet their attitude is surprisingly joyful. What is the key to their wonderful outlook? Gratefulness.
I remember seeing this principle in action one morning many years ago. I woke up discouraged, so I spent some time in God’s Word. However, my mood was still heavy, so I decided to go to work even though it was still very early. Along the way, I went to a small drive-thru and ordered a biscuit. The elderly man who greeted me at the window was amazingly cheerful. His smile and bright countenance were infectious. As he handed me my food, I asked him why he was so happy so early in the morning. He said, “At my age, I don’t take any day for granted. So I’ve made it a habit to always thank God for the gift of another day.” I drove away encouraged, and I’ve never forgotten his positive words.
The person who keeps a grateful heart despite their circumstances has learned the secret of joy. So when you’re gloomy, think of all the blessings the Lord has given you and praise Him. Because when you’re thankful, gladness will certainly follow.” (Trusting God With Today, December 20).
It is surprising how a joyful person can add good feelings to your day, gladden your heart, ease your burden, or inspire a good mood. Some people are more joyful than others. Some people have that gift of seeing God’s goodness in each day.
The Apostle Paul wrote about the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12. He noted that God gives to each person special spiritual abilities “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). In the epistle to the Galatians, Paul took it a step further by mentioning that some people are given a special dispensation of the Spirit that makes them more joyful, more kind, or more loving (Galatians 5:22). Those who are filled with special fruits of the Spirit just seem more able to exude gratitude, thankfulness, and elicit joy in others. If only our world was full of such people!
People who are filled with the spiritual gifts to bring joy and gladness to a situation enrich the lives of every person they reach. These people will brighten a day, fill a room with spiritual warmth, and uplift the weary soul. Some people are just gifted to do this. It comes naturally. Others must work hard each day to see the good, to celebrate God’s mercies, or find joy in the moment.
Are you one who has been given the spiritual gift to see joy and to share it? Or do you find that you need to dig deep into your soul to find such uplifting gladness? I find that Christians who hold grudges, are backsliding into sin, or who have built up a lifetime of bitter memories have a difficult time with joy and gladness. Sadly, they do not realize what they are missing. Their negativity spills over into others, darkens a day, and spoils precious moments.
Sadie was a lifelong Christian. She always tried to help, was a loving and caring mother, and was active in her church. Sadie had a desire to reach out. She was quick to offer a hug, a smile, or bring over a bake dish when a death came to the family.
Sadie had two children. One was named Jake. Many people in Sadie’s church had a difficult time believing Jake was Sadie’s son! Their personalities were polar opposites! Jake was a rebel. He drank too much, enjoyed illicit drugs, and was known to take risks that others would not dare. Jake lived a hard life, cheated on every girl he dated, and never married. He also did not believe in God.
It was a Thursday morning when Sadie got the phone call from Jake’s best friend. The friend told Sadie how Jake had taken an overdose of drugs and died. Sadie’s heart broke into a million pieces. Sadie never thought she would outlive her children. Now, she was faced with this death, a funeral, and more. Sadie had Jake’s body sent back home. She made sure he was buried next to her plot. Then, Sadie changed. All the joy left her. She was bitter. She was quick to complain. She engendered bitter rivalries in her church. She was a constant sort of friction and caused headaches in every pastor who ministered to her.
Something happens when joy leaves your spiritual life. Bitterness creeps in. Resentments take on a life of their own in your mind and heart and soul. Then a lot of other negative emotions begin to play out. When a person gives up the desire to bring godly joy to others, their life usually begins a series of spirals downward into everything negative from depression to unresolved anger to jealousy and serial disappointment.
My hope for you is that godly joy never leaves your beautiful soul. I pray that you find it in your heart to forgive, offer grace, let go of sin and negativity, and focus your life on Jesus. Even when Jesus was being crucified, He found the time to show love to His mother, forgiveness to his tormenters, and bring hope to billions. Even when suffering in innocence, Jesus’ joy never left Him. And I hope you have that “Jesus-kind” of joy that just won’t quit!
The scripture for today from Psalm 63:7 is a reminder for you this day. This verse explains that because God is your “helper”, you have a reason to “sing for joy”. In the shadow of God’s loving wings that protect you, there is much to give thanks for in life. Joy should be easy. With God’s presence so close, you should be a fountain of gladness, grace, and mercy.
Your grateful attitude can bring such solace to a nearby soul. A kind word can bring hope to a weary mind. An offer to pray for someone who is hurting or sharing a hug with a needy soul can heal so many wounds! The spiritual gifts of joy, gladness, and kindness are beautiful indeed. Do you have them? Do you find it difficult to bring joy to each day? Are there resentments or bitter memories that spoil your thoughts? Please, in Jesus’ name, make godly joy a centerpiece of your life! It makes your world a better place to live in! AND it might just be the source of healing you need!