Hello
Feeling a little low on joy? Today’s Holy Nougat offers a radical solution.
“Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.”
Psalms 119:2 NLY
Obedience is very hard. Especially when it goes against our natural inclination. Yet the psalmist finds joy in obedience. Amazing.
The psalmist makes an interesting link tho, for there actually is another variable in the equation – seeking God passionately. This is a bit strange, for searching for God suggests that either God or us has managed to be lost. Lost enough that the reunion will require great effort.
So could God’s laws then, contain clues which direct us to God, as would a treasure map? And if so, how do we discern which way to go? As one who is mostly hopeless around a map, perhaps I am not really in a position to offer suggestions, but then – after getting lost a few times, I usually am very happy when I’ve reached my destination!
However, there is a sense in which the same applies for our quest in obedience. We are likely to get lost a few times. And honestly, some paths will look, sound and feel the same. And we might find ourselves going round and round in circles on occasion.
So, what do we do at that point? In the natural, we might get frustrated and try to get back ‘home’, ask for directions, keep going in circles and hope that going the same way just one more time will get us ‘unlost’ or provide fresh inspiration. Or, perhaps we might turn the map around and around to find familiar landmarks which seem to match the general vicinity, before deciding to seek help. And if you are a ‘real’ ‘good good’ explorer/traveler; you might find True North (or so I’m told) and figure out the rest.
Here’s the joy – most of those options have merit in the spiritual. Oh yes, indeedy. Getting frustrated only works IF we try to get back to God by God’s way. So oftentimes, that’s the one which gets us off track. Going on the same path might not get us far fast, but if we’re actually looking for God, we might see unexpected ways out. If by turning the ‘map’ around, we mean exploring different interpretations or rereading for clarity, God’s Word will guide us to our destination. We might need to figure out those landmarks tho.
I’d like to commend to us the remaining two as both-and, rather than ‘either-or’, if we really are seeking for God wholeheartedly. Asking directions from ‘locals’ offers fellowship and encouragement when the going gets rough; and that’s so important. But there’s Another Guide, the Spirit of God, Who joins us once we begin our journey. So, when we find Jesus, our True North (God’s Word made flesh), and allow God’s Spirit to provide some direction; we SHALL get back on track. No matter how lost we might have been.
And that’s when our joy comes (back).
Loving God, may we consult the Map; ask directions from The Ultimate Guide, find True North and our joy as we work our way to You. Help us encourage others along the way who might need directions to You we pray, in Jesus name amen
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
