Joyful and Glad of Heart
After the Temple was completed and King Solomon had said his prayer of dedication, he sent the people away to their homes. It was a wonderful occasion, as they remembered the goodness of God to David and to His people. Therefore, they went away joyful and glad of heart. (I Kings 8:66) When was the last time you were truly joyful and glad of heart? We all need to reflect on that question.
Many people are discouraged. Others are very depressed and sad over the cares of life. In fact, there are many people for whom that is a constant attitude of their hearts, except when they are doing something to make themselves happy. That type of attitude and behavior leads to all types of addictions from food to drugs and alcohol, from shopping to gambling, and from pornography to sexual addictions. The reason is that they are never satisfied unless they are engaging in some behavior that brings them temporary pleasure. God never intended for us to live like that.
God blesses each of us so much that even when we are having great trials, we can look at His goodness and realize that we can trust Him with whatever comes into our lives. That gives us an abiding joy that results in a glad heart for all to see. Then, when others see our joy, they know that we have something far greater than their temporary happiness, so we can share about the Lord,and they can trust Him, too. Therefore, if you are a believer, who is not joyful and glad of heart, you can't carry out God's purpose for your life which is to love Him and others so that you make disciples. That is a serious problem that should be corrected soon by repenting of your negative attitude and addictions, while you turn your focus to the goodness of God all the time.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Kings 9-11..
Many people are discouraged. Others are very depressed and sad over the cares of life. In fact, there are many people for whom that is a constant attitude of their hearts, except when they are doing something to make themselves happy. That type of attitude and behavior leads to all types of addictions from food to drugs and alcohol, from shopping to gambling, and from pornography to sexual addictions. The reason is that they are never satisfied unless they are engaging in some behavior that brings them temporary pleasure. God never intended for us to live like that.
God blesses each of us so much that even when we are having great trials, we can look at His goodness and realize that we can trust Him with whatever comes into our lives. That gives us an abiding joy that results in a glad heart for all to see. Then, when others see our joy, they know that we have something far greater than their temporary happiness, so we can share about the Lord,and they can trust Him, too. Therefore, if you are a believer, who is not joyful and glad of heart, you can't carry out God's purpose for your life which is to love Him and others so that you make disciples. That is a serious problem that should be corrected soon by repenting of your negative attitude and addictions, while you turn your focus to the goodness of God all the time.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Kings 9-11..