“Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout unto God with a voice of triumph.” v.1
It has been one of the most peace-filled, joy-filled weeks, I have had despite – my oldest, chocolate lab girl wagging her tail slower and slower – despite my school being shut down for two weeks due to the virus – despite the turmoil of this election season – despite seeing the spirit of anger and lawlessness rising its head higher and higher in my interconnected spheres.
For whatever reason on Monday, the Spirit whispered to turn off the news of the day – on the radio – on the podcasts – on the radio – and tune into her whispering joy. Stranger still – I listened – all week.
K-love station. CD’s full of Christmas music. Positive, affirmative, Spirit-filled podcasts. Devotionals. Friends calling. Friends dropping in for a visit with a new choc lab boy in tow. Finally, starting one of my favorite Christmas books that I found on the free book shelves this summer.
I read this book for the first time in 1965/66 when I was working as a page at the Loudonville Public Library. It was one of the books that brought a human depth to the story I’d heard over and over in the Bible stories my parents and teachers read to me.
How Far Is It to Bethlehem? by Norah Lofts.
“How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!” v.2
Selah
This book was a Godwink find. A tan, cloth-covered, 1st printing copy of a favorite book is ALWAYS a treasure. When I got it home, I found a handwritten note taped inside – a Christmas present – a treasure chest memory from one generation to another – a gift to the 4th generation.
The sad thing – between then and now, the torn dustcover disappeared. But now I know why I dug through a box of dusty books to pull this one out – despite being in the midst of a plague – despite the unrest that pulls at the corners of the mind – despite the uncertainties of teaching face-to-face during a plague – despite an old dog that doesn’t eat unless you tempt her with fresh cooked meat.
“God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD with the sound of the horn. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises!”v.6-7
By the time I finished reading the first paragraph of this old book, I was hooked all over again, and the rejoicing was re-affirmed in my spirit as His Spirit voice laughed with me.
He knew. All the time. He knew. His good gift. Like usual. Like always. Like eternally. Eternal goodness and grace.
That is the thing we forget in this world. We forget that we don’t have to worry. We don’t have to fret – be angry – be sad. The Bible (in all the testaments), says it best – this world is temporary. From the first word – BERESHIT – to the word – AMEN, it repeats it over and over.
He saves. Truth.
Can’t get better than that. I was given two portions of the WORD on Monday night that have been the focus of my rejoicing prayers this week. Daniel 2 and Psalm 47. Rejoicing continues to circle round and round me tonight.
While physically I am concerned with the election, the unrest that is sure to raise its ugly head, my school family as it struggles with this plague, the education of those given to our sphere, and an old puppy who can barely move…….I still feel such joy that I almost can’t contain it.
I am right where I am supposed to be – doing exactly what I am supposed to do – watching a tail wag when I come close – and praying – praying – praying for all the other things swirling around in my mind with full peace that Papa G-D is doing exactly what He has always done – Saving with Grace through His Son and whispering His Truth in every WORD I read in His book.
Be at peace. Rejoice. “For God is King of all the earth…” Then, “sing profound praises to Him…” For, “God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne…” And finally rejoice out loud that, “The nobles of the nations have assembled…as people of the God of Abraham…for the shields of the earth belong to God.” Psalm 47:8-9
Selah
He is highly exalted and greatly to be praised.
thoughtsong7 