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This devotional was written by Renee on December 27, 2009
GOD IS HAPPY: WE CAN BE ALSO
Dr. Bimler, author of "Angels Can Fly Because They Take Themselves Lightly" says, "You and I are called by God to be happy. To be happy does not mean that everything has to go right, and that problems and frustrations disappear. A happy person in the Lord is one who knows from where strength and comfort come." (Samra et al.)
This weekend we had a marvelous opportunity presented to us. We were contacted by a family from our church. They have four children. Three are healthy and very active. The fourth, a good natured baby, is ill and takes constant attention and unswerving dedication. The Mother and baby have just gotten home after being in the hospital for over a month's stay. Almost immediately following, on Christmas night, the Father of the family became ill. Because he didn't want to wake the children and because the Mother needed to stay with the children, he drove himself to the hospital that night.
The next day the Mother of this family called us and asked if the three older kids could come over for a few hours while she visited the Father in the hospital. She wanted to be with him while his tests were done. We were honored to do this for them. So the Mother brought the kids over. They bounced into the house and she, with smiling face, told us about her schedule, confirmed her cell phone number and headed off to the hospital with the tender baby in tow.
The kids were energetic, well-behaved and cheerful the entire day. Later in the day Mother called our home with the news that Father's tests were normal and they should be home in a few hours. All the kids openly sighed in relief and then went on with their play.
What made this such a marvelous opportunity? Well, here is the thing. As adults we can put on a pretty face, a smiley face, and all the while be desperate inside. But kids, if one spends a lot of hours with them, are not generally so sophisticated and will often act more according to their feelings. But these three were happy, content, busy, well-mannered and enthusiastic "all day" while obviously relieved at the good news that their Father was going to be ok. As we had worship together that day it was clear they know about and accept the love Jesus Christ has for them. Children pick up the atmosphere in which they live. It is obvious that these children are living in soil that grows contentment and peace of mind despite serious troubles because they live in the climate of hope and faith.
I am happy today, that yesterday God provided seven and a half hours of worship for me and my family given by three children and their blessed attitude. May you share in my blessing simply by me relating it to you and may we all find happiness in today, even with all its imperfections and potential pain, because Jesus Christ has promised this to those who ask in faith. He can keep this promise because He is faithful and He is happy.
Job 8:21 - "Once again your cheeks will fill with laughter."
Luke 6:21 - "Happy are you who weep now; you shall laugh."
The verses above indicate that God recognizes that we will have times of sorrow but that healing will come and we will find happiness and laughter again. I think that we can go so far as to take this as a promise from God to us...for who better knows how things can and will work out than an all-seeing, all-powerful God?
Sincerely,
Renee
A forgiven sinner in Christ
Resource:
Samra, Cal & Rose. "Holy Humor - Inspirational Wit & Cartoons." 1996. The Fellowship of Merry Christians. p. 109, 105
GOD IS HAPPY: WE CAN BE ALSO
Dr. Bimler, author of "Angels Can Fly Because They Take Themselves Lightly" says, "You and I are called by God to be happy. To be happy does not mean that everything has to go right, and that problems and frustrations disappear. A happy person in the Lord is one who knows from where strength and comfort come." (Samra et al.)
This weekend we had a marvelous opportunity presented to us. We were contacted by a family from our church. They have four children. Three are healthy and very active. The fourth, a good natured baby, is ill and takes constant attention and unswerving dedication. The Mother and baby have just gotten home after being in the hospital for over a month's stay. Almost immediately following, on Christmas night, the Father of the family became ill. Because he didn't want to wake the children and because the Mother needed to stay with the children, he drove himself to the hospital that night.
The next day the Mother of this family called us and asked if the three older kids could come over for a few hours while she visited the Father in the hospital. She wanted to be with him while his tests were done. We were honored to do this for them. So the Mother brought the kids over. They bounced into the house and she, with smiling face, told us about her schedule, confirmed her cell phone number and headed off to the hospital with the tender baby in tow.
The kids were energetic, well-behaved and cheerful the entire day. Later in the day Mother called our home with the news that Father's tests were normal and they should be home in a few hours. All the kids openly sighed in relief and then went on with their play.
What made this such a marvelous opportunity? Well, here is the thing. As adults we can put on a pretty face, a smiley face, and all the while be desperate inside. But kids, if one spends a lot of hours with them, are not generally so sophisticated and will often act more according to their feelings. But these three were happy, content, busy, well-mannered and enthusiastic "all day" while obviously relieved at the good news that their Father was going to be ok. As we had worship together that day it was clear they know about and accept the love Jesus Christ has for them. Children pick up the atmosphere in which they live. It is obvious that these children are living in soil that grows contentment and peace of mind despite serious troubles because they live in the climate of hope and faith.
I am happy today, that yesterday God provided seven and a half hours of worship for me and my family given by three children and their blessed attitude. May you share in my blessing simply by me relating it to you and may we all find happiness in today, even with all its imperfections and potential pain, because Jesus Christ has promised this to those who ask in faith. He can keep this promise because He is faithful and He is happy.
Job 8:21 - "Once again your cheeks will fill with laughter."
Luke 6:21 - "Happy are you who weep now; you shall laugh."
The verses above indicate that God recognizes that we will have times of sorrow but that healing will come and we will find happiness and laughter again. I think that we can go so far as to take this as a promise from God to us...for who better knows how things can and will work out than an all-seeing, all-powerful God?
Sincerely,
Renee
A forgiven sinner in Christ
Resource:
Samra, Cal & Rose. "Holy Humor - Inspirational Wit & Cartoons." 1996. The Fellowship of Merry Christians. p. 109, 105
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