As the rain and snow

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
    to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
    and your faithfulness by night,
to the music of the lute and the harp,
    to the melody of the lyre.
For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;
    at the works of your hands I sing for joy.

How great are your works, O Lord!” Psalm 92:1-5

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord!
    Serve the Lord with gladness!
    Come into his presence with singing!

Know that the Lord, he is God!
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
    and his courts with praise!
    Give thanks to him; bless his name!

For the Lord is good;
    his steadfast love endures forever,
    and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100

“This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Many of the psalms are songs of gladness, artistically composed and joyfully sung as praise to the Lord. They recite His deeds, love, grace, and goodness, and that focus on God elicits gladness within that wells up to come out. All God is and does serves to make the wondering heart glad, and we determine how to express our response.

In daily routine, are we more prone to griping or gladness? When faced with opposition or difficulty, or an ornery family member or colleague, do we default quickly to grouse and complain? How would interactions and attitudes be different if we chose instead to give thanks for all God has done and is doing in the situation? When we get fixated on imperfect works of others or personal failures, we can easily spiral into fussing, blaming, criticizing, even self-loathing. Pondering God’s providence and what He might be teaching or orchestrating in the situation illuminates divine possibilities and raises hope.

What can we implement by way of discipline or accountability to enhance delight in our Lord and more regularly express praise? When will we recount God’s works until they make us glad? What poor choices of input, perspective, and words can we exchange for uplifting ones? Grouchy moods are excuses to make others miserable and are never justifiable in light of the Lord’s goodness. In contrast, a heart fixed on Christ cannot stay gloomy. (Colossians 3:8-10,12-17)

What do we allow to dampen gladness of heart and speech? No circumstance is out of God’s view, no pain beyond His love, no troubles too great for His strength. He made us, works for us, and reigns over all. Be glad!

“Rejoice, the Lord is King:
Your Lord and King adore!
Rejoice, give thanks and sing,
And triumph evermore.
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Jesus, the Savior, reigns,
The God of truth and love;
When He has purged our stains,
He took his seat above;
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

His kingdom cannot fail,
He rules o’er earth and heav’n;
The keys of death and hell
Are to our Jesus giv’n:
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!” ~Charles Wesley (1744)

Amen!

“It is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going… to possess.” Deuteronomy 32:47

“The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 119:7-11

“We thank God… that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

The scriptures themselves attest to the reality of their power and usefulness for all of life. God’s word, wholly inspired and without error, is complete and alive and ours for revelation of the Almighty God and rule of life. In His word we discover who He is and how He interacts with man, and by His word we are instructed, warned, sanctified, protected, and bolstered by promises. His word works out His holy, good purposes. (Psalm 119:11; John 17:17; 2 Peter 1:21; Revelation 22:18-19)

Yet, fickle man goes after many strange words. We tune in, turn on, and open up tomes of words that entertain or inform, but neither develop the soul nor feed nor direct the spirit within. Whom we listen to and what we read tells much about what we value most: God or man. Assessing our time, concentration, and allegiances helps us discern our grounding.

What priority has God’s word in our daily routine, and what difference is it making in our thoughts, attitudes, and actions? For information and direction, do we digest more commentary on a snippet of Scripture, or the actual words of God? How are we availing ourselves of its intimate work, and what is the evidence in our character and reactions?

“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you He hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.” ~George Keith (1787)

Lord, keep me delighting in Your word and yielding to its sway, that You be praised.

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,..

“To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf.” Colossians 1:1-7

Paul greets the saints and faithful brothers by extending grace and peace, embracing them with his words. He then continues his blessing of them by reminding them of his constant thoughts, thankfulness, and prayer on their behalf. He commends them for their faith in Christ Jesus and their love for the saints because of their hope in heaven. Once the Lord planted hope in Paul, his life passion was to see that others knew and lived its fruits also. Grace and peace, gratitude and love, fruitfulness and understanding and serving as an example, all were borne of hope in Christ, all a gift of His immeasurable grace and favor.

Ah! Hope that is sure and unshakable changes hearts, defines and refines purpose, and infuses God’s people with the ingredients that build the Body! Hope ignites faith and love! Indeed, faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the outgrowth of the certain hope Jesus has initiated for us on the cross and secured for us in heaven. Without hope and the promise of what is to come, there would be no substance or object or motivation of faith. When exercised, it is evidenced in good works that foster growth and joy among God’s people and spread the fragrance of Christ in the world. (2 Corinthians 2:15; Hebrews 11:1; James 2:17-18)

How does our hope measure? This is not empty wish or human ‘hope-for,’ but a guaranteed promise of life eternal with our Savior. Hope based on our desire or effort is not substantial, but hope grounded in Christ’s finished work is solid and sure. Do we need to elevate our thinking about the hope promised in the Bible? What attitude of self-righteous deserving need we surrender in order to take hold of the hope Jesus offers? How might it transform our outlook going forward?

In this life we groan with longing for a glorified earth, glorified bodies and minds. Troubles remind us this world is not our home, but troubles met with hope find comfort in pain and spiritual energy to persevere. Hope distills all that is presently difficult in the dew of promise of what will certainly come. Will we choose to live and love in hope’s light and joy? How can we express tangible hope to a hurting world? (Romans 8:18-25)

God, fill me with joy and peace in believing so I abound in hope, to Your praise. (Romans 15:13)

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism,  one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift…

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,  from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love…

“Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,  and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.  Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,  and give no opportunity to the devil…  Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear… Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

“Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God… At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Ephesians 4:1b-7,15-16,22-27,29,31-32; 5:2,8

Paul’s epistles serve to prod along, to goad, encourage, move the churches to specific, positive action. He lays out a Christian life that is anything but static. Walking worthy of calling has an eager, intentional, constructive gait and tempo through every day and situation.

In the flesh, a day ahead might be open for spontaneous activity or jam-packed with responsibilities. Either way gives opportunity to decide how we set about the walk. For what are we most eager? To serve our selfish interests and ends? To achieve our goals? Or to walk worthy of our calling as God’s saints in the Spirit in whatever situation? How can we exemplify Christ and stand out distinctly in a dark and fractured world? (Philippians 2:3-8,14-16)

Small decisions and single steps, combine to determine our path. If we are eager and purposeful in building up the Body, the way will be open and good will come. Complacent, passive living wastes time and opportunity, while zealous living promotes vibrant fellowship and spiritual growth that benefits all in its fold. At home and work, what are we contributing in speech and action to promote and deepen spiritual unity? (Psalm 90:12; Ephesians 5:15-16)

Lord, help me eagerly seek and take Your path each day for others’ blessing and upbuilding and Your glory.

“To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing.., even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless… In love he predestined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace… In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose…

“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we… might be to the praise of his glory. In him you, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the Holy Spirit, the guarantee of our inheritance.” Ephesians 1:1-14

As Paul thought about the Ephesian church, he identified them simply and significantly: saints in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus. He then goes on to describe what is theirs in Christ by God’s gracious eternal choosing, further adorning their succinct identity. With such indelible blessings as God’s chosen saints, they could then choose how to live out the bounty bestowed. With the ordained purpose to be holy and blameless to the praise of God’s glory, they were planted in Ephesus and marked as those adopted, redeemed, forgiven, sealed, lavished with wisdom and insight to understand His will and the power of their everlasting inheritance.

In cultures where self-determining, preferring, and publicizing identities is the rage, God calls Christians to accept and live out our God-given identity in His appointed place. In His exquisite creative plan, God made man as the capstone of creation for relationship with Him: WE ARE IMAGE-BEARERS. While we were rebel sinners He set His love on us: WE ARE LOVED. He gave His life in agonizing death so we could live: WE ARE SAVED. He makes all things new to fulfill His plan: WE ARE REDEEMED FOR SPECIFIC WORKS. Do these not affirm and confirm our complete identity? (Genesis 1:27; Acts 17:26; Ephesians 2:1-13,19-22; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Establishing ourselves in these treasured truths gives firm footing and focus for how then to live. Ignorance of God’s design and incredible love sets the human heart adrift to find identity elsewhere, farther and farther from its intended-from-eternity moorings. How do we choose to live? Whose name will we intentionally bear, reflecting whose glory?

Where specifically has the Lord planted us as saints to be faithful in Christ? In what ways at work and home are we exercising that faithfulness? How are wisdom and hope playing out in what we say and the ways we go about relationships, caring, industry, and service? How specifically can those around us identify us as Christ’s?

Lord, keep me established in who I am and faithful to glorify You in name and character.

“I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever;
    with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.
For I said, ‘Steadfast love will be built up forever;
    in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.’

 O Lord God of hosts,
    who is mighty as you are, O Lord,
    with your faithfulness all around you?
You rule the raging of the sea;
    when its waves rise, you still them.
You… scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours;
    the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.
The north and the south, you have created them…
You have a mighty arm;
    strong is your hand, high your right hand.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
    steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
    who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,
who exult in your name all the day…
For you are the glory of their strength;
    by your favor our horn is exalted.
Our shield belongs to the Lord.” Psalm 89:1-2,8-18

The psalmist’s resolve to sing, and forever, plants him firmly in the lofty heavens. His heart is caught up in the endless wonders and awesome excellencies of God, greatly fearing and highly exalting Him beside and above all other incomparable beings. He is the Founder and Owner and Ruler of all. His throne is firmly established in the whirl and rage of sky and sea. His perspective is clear and eternal. He’s mighty to save and wondrous in light. (Zephaniah 3:17)

Every morning we choose our mindset and what chorus will rule our moments. Whatever flurry of thought, threat, or emotion, we have a will that says and sings. We determine whether it’s set in the light of what God has stated and done, or darkens with clouds and fluctuates with tempestuous seas. Deciding to make melody of God’s love and faithfulness does much to buttress the wobbly soul.

What do we will today? We can charge out thoughtlessly, respond to what comes casually, or decide ahead of time our rhythm and tune. What are we determined to do, and say, and sing? What and to whom are we making it known? We have control of the substance, and God orders the scope.

God is the Lord of every host of cares, decisions, unexpecteds. He is never surprised at what we face, and is present to translate our festal shouts into hopeful living, vibrant serving, joy-filled giving and interplay. How will we maintain a high view of Him? When seas and skies roll forth His praise, how are we joining their rapturous song?

“I sing the mighty power of God 
that made the mountains rise, 
that spread the flowing seas abroad 
and built the lofty skies. 
I sing the wisdom that ordained 
the sun to rule the day; 
the moon shines full at his command, 
and all the stars obey. 

Lord, how your wonders are displayed, 
where’er we turn our eyes, 
if we survey the ground we tread 
or gaze upon the skies; 
while all that borrows life from Thee 
is ever in Thy care, 
and everywhere that man may be, 
Thou, God, art present there.” ~Isaac Watts (1715)

Father, fill my mouth with joyful songs of praise and robust testimony to Your greatness, for Your glory.