Grace Notes: Gracious Joy

“When I remember You on my bed,

I meditate and thoughtfully focus on You in the night watches,

For You have been my help,

And in the shadow of Your wings [where I am always protected] I sing for joy.”

    Psalm 63:6-7 AMP

Grace Perspective: 

David wrote this Psalm while in the wilderness, running from an enemy who relentlessly pursued him to take his life. Yet, as he lay down at night, weary and worn, he turned his thoughts to God. As David remembered God’s faithful help, he sang for joy. David’s joy flows because he chooses to believe that he is secure in God no matter his circumstances. 

Joy often accompanies happy moments; however, it can be experienced during seasons of suffering. Joy isn’t merely a feeling; it’s a deep sense of understanding who Christ is and who we are in Him. Today, ponder the truth that,

            “The Lord your God is in your midst,

             A Warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with joy;

             He will be quiet in His love [making no mention of your past sins],

             He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.”

                                Zephaniah 3:17

 A Touch of Grace: 

     What brings you joy?

     What steals your joy?

     Describe a time when joy and sorrow mixed. 

 Grace Application: 

What comes to mind when you hear the word joy? It may stir feelings of happiness, delight, and excitement. But can joy be felt even when life is hard?

Scripture tells us that joy and sorrow often comingle. We don’t have to pretend to be happy in the midst of suffering. There’s no need to paste on a plastic smile when we’re in pain. Being honest in our struggles and crying out to God, telling Him the grief in our hearts, will help strengthen our faith. So many people in the Bible vividly share their deep pain with the Lord. They model for us how to genuinely express an aching heart. As they cry out to God and remember Who He is, what He has promised, and who they are in Him. Even as they feel sorrow, they rejoice in Who God is. As they rejoice in Him, they experience a joy that goes far deeper than temporary feelings of pleasure. 

Our joy comes in knowing who we are in Christ Jesus, knowing that we are His. Our joy is not based solely on our experiences, for we find the strength of joy even in sorrow. Habakkuk said, 

    “Though the fig tree does not blossom

     And there is no fruit on the vines,

     Though the yield of the olive fails

     And the fields produce no food,

     Though the flock is cut off from the fold

     And there are no cattle in the stalls,

     Yet I will [choose to] rejoice in the Lord;

     I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my    

     salvation!

     The Lord God is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible 

     army];

     He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet

     And makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my high 

      places [of challenge and responsibility].”  

                                   Habakkuk 3: 17-18 AMP

 Prayer

Gracious Father, I come to You In the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, thankful for the joy found in You. You know the depths of sorrow I often feel, yet Scripture reminds me that I am strengthened as I rejoice in You. Holy Spirit, strengthen my joy and increase my faith as I seek to live more fully in You. May I sing for joy as I remember that I am protected in the shadow of Your wings. Amen 

**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**