Saturday, March 19, 2022

GREATLY REJOICE

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
my soul shall be joyful in my God;
garments of salvation, he hath
covered me with the robe of
righteousness, as a bridegroom
decketh himself with ornaments,
and as a bride adorneth herself
with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10

It might have been my junior year in college when I was given the opportunity to read a newly released book written by Elizabeth Eliot. The title of the book was Through Gates of Splendor.  She basically told the story of her husband Jim and four other co-missionaries who were martyred near a South American river by men from THE tribe the men were wanting to reach with the gospel. She and Jim had a young daughter and had given themselves on the mission field to reach the Auca people. She had no intent of singing her own praises and didn't, but a very courageous woman was revealed who faced that sudden chaos in her life.  She never lost sight of her love for and praise of her Savior.

I've known other ladies who have traveled the same journey as I am now walking. I've seen such spiritual strength and integrity that I have been so blessed even though I was not yet where they were at the time. I know some women who have gone through divorce, problems with children, career tragedies and the list goes on. Many have discussed those things with me through the years. I'm happy to say most found their strength in their faith and faithfulness to the things of God.

One thing I have learned in these years that when I get anything done, it's because I made some determination to get things accomplished. I love the above verse found in Isaiah. From that verse, I see that Isaiah REALLY knew God. To start the verse, he started with I WILL. I don't see pride in those two words but a determine to be a person of praise no matter his circumstances. Not only did he say I WILL but added the word GREATLY. There was going to be nothing mediocre about Isaiah's praising the Lord.

Isaiah added that he wanted to be joyful in God. I've known folks who have seemingly lost their joy in the Lord. It must grieve our Savior when that happens. No matter what's going on in our lives, we have every reason to be people of joy. Isaiah mentioned two things that brought him joy, that being God's provision of clothes of salvation and robes of righteousness. You and I have benefited from those two things as well.

As a bride 53 years ago, I recall preparations for being a bride. I wanted everything to be just right. I wanted to please Brian in every way. I didn't have a lot of jewels to put on but I wanted my gown and veil to be as perfect as possible. It's a joyful time. Isaiah felt the same as he compared the joy in both circumstances. No matter what's going on, let's determine we will rejoice

Father I thank You and praise You for Your goodness in my life. Thank You for Brian, who is with you now, who showed me by example what joy in You should be. Thank You Jesus for giving Your all for me and for sustaining me in these days. In Your precious name...Amen


 

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