Two Heart Lifters

It’s not hard to wake up in the morning and feel off.  Floating anxiety and a lack of confidence and waning exuberance can hold us tight. 

The Word

God gives us His word to soak in to lift our hearts and our perspectives. One verse–or a string of them–can be a powerful heart booster. Jeremiah 15:16 says it well, “Your words were found and I ate them, and they became the joy and the delight of my heart…”  

Isn’t this so true?!  When our heart soaks in God’s word, the result is greatly encouraging and the effects on our heart bring joy. 

In Psalms 119:161, David shares his heart; “Rulers persecute me without cause, But my heart stands in awe of Your words.”  People were wrongly attacking David.  But, as He spent time in God’s word, it became powerful to him.

Another Channel

There is, however, another channel that God uses to bring great peace and great joy…and great renewed perspective. It’s laid out in 1 Thessalonians 3:9: “For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account…”

There are many beautiful people God has given us to live life with and to bless and be blessed by. Our spouses and children are great God-intended ones to bless, and very much blessing can come through them as well. And there are others; dear old friends, new friends, people who we are just getting to know and people we know who don’t yet know Him. Focusing on the people God has given us can bring us into God’s presence can bring us great joy. 

This is why Paul wrote what he did in Thessalonians. “For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account…” Paul received great joy from the Thessalonians even when he was apart from them. He says the same of them in 2:19 “For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?”  Those in Thessalonica were Paul’s joy, as were a lot of other people as well.  

Apostle John added to this, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” –3 John 1:4.  John had great joy that he received from those he helped to know the Lord better.

When you wake up feeling flat, down or worried, read the Word.  Also remember the events in the lives of those you care for and rejoice. And as your day moves on, rejoice in others much today. 

Leave you concerns with the Lord and and pray and rejoice in others frequently. Delight in them, as the Lord does. Capture many moments to show God’s personal love. Be more sensitive and gentle than you were yesterday. Make the most of the day for the glory of the God by investing well in those He loves.

These things will cause you to be glad today…and open the doors for God to surprise you–and others– with unexpected visits of His lovingkindness and power.

Have you been hurt by too little thinking? Be of good cheer, the Lamb of Bethlehem is more the Lion than you ever dreamed.