Shout for joy!

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. (Psalm 10:1-2)

A drought here holds us hostage. Our grass faded to a brown crisp, my flowers crave daily doses of water, and the heat/humidity combination brings acute discomfort and chronic grumpiness.

I confess–I whine about it. As surrounding counties experience some relief with daily storms, I grouse over their blessings while we remain parched. Yesterday was no exception as a storm cloud dumped another load of rain on a nearby town (five days in a row to our zero).

Thankfully, my ears listened as hubby quietly reminded me, “But the rain is a blessing for them.”

Ouch–he was right (as he often is). I complained about what we didn’t have–envious and angry that someone else received the blessing of rain and we were overlooked (again).

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. (Proverbs 14:30)

That’s a double ouch.

As I processed my husband’s gentle chastisement, I prayed–confessed my sin of envy and anger, asked for mercy and forgiveness, and thanked God for the blessing of rain to all who received.

Psalm 100

Recently, in Sunday School, we read Psalm 100, the encouragement to shout for joy and worship with gladness reminded me of our Father’s majesty and glory. The rest of the passage further spoke to my heart.

Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his, we are the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100:3-5)

I’m so thankful for God’s Word. His message this morning was just what I needed to remind me of my sin of envy and our Lord’s loving faithfulness.

There is hope

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:3-5)

Shout for joy!

In worship this morning we sang praise songs and traditional hymns. The joy in my heart at God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness burst forth in song.

And another praise?

We received rain!

Is there an unexpected joy and blessing you’ve experienced recently? Please share to brighten our day.