Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves.
Matthew 6:33 Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
When I was growing up in a Jesus-loving, Bible-believing home where we did our best to make God the center of our life and decisions, my parents taught me the definition of true joy – Jesus, Others, and You. I learned Bible verses like these ones, and sang lots of fun Sunday School songs that kept these truths fresh.
One of my favorites was “I’ve got the JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY, down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart. I’ve got the JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY, down in my heart–down in my heart to stay!” I’d belt my childish alto voice into the echo chambers of our home, knowing Mom’s approving smile was somewhere nearby.
However, it is easier to sing about JOY than actually obey the call of servant-hearted Jesus, who for the JOY set before Him, endured the cross. (The extreme example!) It is easier to SING joyfully than joyfully set personal wants aside for the preferences of others. But good things happen when we do!
I’m so thankful for numbers of recent opportunities to experience God’s JOY through obedience. These were moments when I felt the Lord’s nudge, slightly or strongly, and chose not to disregard Him or hunker down in my head without heeding. I’m sorry to say, it could have been easy to do–make excuses, rearrange priorities to sound spiritual or necessary. But HALLELUJAH! — God helped me not to miss HIS CALL TO ACTION.
When my husband was heading out the door to attend a Sunday evening service at a ministry location where he volunteers, I was in the middle of things…important things. I’d already been to church that morning. Yet of all targets God has called me to embrace this year, the first was “Be Dedicated to Home.” HOME is my hubby—so I shut my computer, grabbed my things, and jumped into the car. I chose to prioritize his priorities, and he was happy. Presence was a present while driving forty-minutes round trip.
Upon arrival – sidling in beside the trees, pressing breaks, hopping out – there was no need to leave room. The four of us kept company in the Adirondacks by still waters, with plenty to say, sip, and munch.
Their devotional directed us to trust in God.
We concurred, expounding on our current faith walk with one salary, not two.
“Just what we needed,” they laughed aloud.
As we said good-byes in the dimming light, I realized how easily I’d have skipped this delight…But for the JOY!
Interesting to note–just seven days later, my hubby was heading out for French Vanilla creamer. Did he need me to accompany him? Of course not! As one, he is perfectly content.
But two is a love letter sent. And God had nudged, so off I went.
Engine, pavement, zippy turns, lights, breaths of fresh air, chatting in the night. Upon arriving inside the store, he picked a different aisle – or I missed the turn. Since the dairy fridge was located on the back wall, I made it a race.
I was already laughing when he arrived at my playful face, creamer in hand. We chuckled and chatted, headed off to pay. I greeted the cashier, asking Kyle about his day, and if he’d been able to go to church. He had. Good!
And then the most uncanny thing came about. I’d heard my husband greet a man with a bit of a shout, just as we entered the pay way. Next thing I knew, a girl was fast approaching. She looked familiar–I needed some coaching. She reminded me about our church softball games. I’d not gone often, so hard to remember names. We four began catching up in pairs, attracting a few stares – no glares (in an aisle wide, standing aside).
Heart to heart, nearby shopping carts. Once again, I noted how easily I might have missed this partnership with my husband in a Divine appointment…But for the JOY!
My now closer friend would never have shared the same things with the guys. I was so glad to receive her friendship extended, to connect, to exchange the warm welcome, to listen, to share truth, to cheer her on.
God had nudged me once again, and this had been His foreseen plan: the fruit of selfless choices, opportunity to embrace our voices to meet, and to mend, and to matter.
Our time is short, the darkness evil; let’s seek to serve and speak with many people.
How I pray in Jesus’ Name, so many lives are being changed. To God Be The Glory–so they, too, have a story.
NOTE:There were other instances in recent weeks where God had to wrestle with my busy heart to lay down self to serve, not swerve. May God have mercy on me, a sinner. I want to be His willing winner…for the JOY of walking in obedience to Him – loving, giving, speaking for Him. I am, after all, HIS blood-bought bondservant.