Growing up, my family was very staid. Rowdy, for us, was when I played Chinese Checkers with Mom. We never disputed a win. We never verbalized a loss. Our typical celebration was “Good game.”
Our sedate life was seasoned by stories from our parents of their lives without mothers; they both grew up during the Great Depression; Dad was in WWII. Their difficult lives strengthened them. They always saw that Jesus Christ provided when no way existed for their families. Any time I’d get a bit of extra money, Mom would say, “Just wait, you’ll need it soon.” And she was always right. My folks had grown up living by faith in God.
I believe that Mom and Dad both longed within their hearts for release and freedom to outwardly rejoice and, yes, even dance over the good things our loving God bestowed on us, but they could never allow themselves that freedom.
Clothed in Joy
I, too, am restrained, but my heart bursts forth when I read Psalms 30:11-12: “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.”
Please indulge me as I write this brief prayer for you and me.
“Lord God, my heart runs over with the joy you have poured into my life. In good times and rough times, you have been my Rock in which I’ve been secure. You have never failed me. I pray this same joy for those who read this devotional. Lead them in paths of righteousness. Demonstrate Your power in their lives. Remind us all that the life of a Christian is built on nothing less than the power of Jesus to change times and circumstances and lives. Bless us all. I ask that You would give us the courage to dance for joy before you. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.“
Photo by Nathan Anderson on Unsplash
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