A Moment To Praise 4.20.20
Joyce Lochinger, Gravel Hill Worship Leader
Choosing Joy!
Hi Everyone!
Tomorrow, I will be celebrating a birthday. Notice I didn’t say which one 🙂 Instead of choosing sadness or thinking about the things I won’t be able to do, I am going to choose joy and focus on the blessings that this strange season we’re in has brought to me. I am purposefully going to think about this place we are in with the quarantine and the blessings that I have experienced.
First off, I have both Shawn and Shay home with me, and we are all cohabitating very well together! I know that even though they aren’t with me, Jenna and Victor are safe and healthy in Pittsburgh. None of us have to leave our houses for work. Thank you, Lord.
My family – mother, mother-in-laws, father-in-laws, and my siblings are well, as are my nieces and nephews! Again, I thank you Lord! I have been able to take long walks with my daughter and husband and not have to rush because of an activity or work. We have had many great talks while we walk, put together puzzles, or played double dominoes. And we have had some silly times of laughter and joy!
A Moment To Praise 4.20.20 in Scripture
Yes, I am finding joy even in the midst of a different reality right now. How can there be joy? Well, I go to my absolute, favorite scripture for that answer. Anyone who knows me well knows that I love this scripture. Psalm 139:1-18!
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A1-18&version=NIV
David is talking to the Lord. He is saying that God knows all of the little intricate details about his life. God knows what David thinks and where he goes. David speaks of all of these things in verse 1-12. Then he says: “Lord, you have created my innermost being! You knew me even before I was born.”
How can this not bring me joy? I’m not talking about happiness that only lasts for a moment, not a smile which comes and goes in minute, but residing JOY! Joy that fills me all the way, deep down in my heart. Joy because of the knowledge that God has loved and cared for me even before I was born of my mother and father. This type of joy causes us to know that no matter what the world does or doesn’t do, we are special to God. And if we have accepted Him as our own personal Savior, we are covered. God has set a place aside for us, where we can eternally be with Him!
So, will I miss having a special dinner out, having birthday cake, having a visitor or two for my “special” day? Maybe I will! However, one thing I do know for sure is that if I choose to focus on the joy that God has given me through His Son’s life and death on the cross, I will have no reason to feel like I have missed out on anything. In fact, I will remember that I have been given everything and more!
As an aside, in case you forgot how human David was, continue reading the rest of Psalm 139, verses 19-22.
A Moment To Praise 4.20.20 in Song
I’m sharing a song that is an oldie, but listen carefully to the words. It applies to our lives today and every day! Trade in all of the stuff that bogs you down and choose the joy of the Lord!
As a final note, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you who are essential workers who do not have the luxury of staying at home and working. Thank you isn’t even enough to say! My prayers are with you!
Also, I offer prayers for all of those who are struggling with health, finance or family issues during this time. My hope is that you will feel God’s loving arms embrace you and you can begin to heal.
And for all, I will continue to pray for God’s joy to fill your soul. Amen!
