The temperature was just right, a summer evening like I love them. My pal and I sat outside with our friends, amused, as they bombarded us with questions they couldn’t keep to themselves. “You are young and healthy, you’ve got your life ahead of yourself. What is it that you need in this Jesus thing?” They couldn’t grasp how we could find joy in Christ, nor what pleasure we could take in our new-found faith.
Christianity, contrary to what some may think — or even practice — is not about a stack of religious instructions that promise to make you pious. Following Christ is a privilege developed out of a relationship of love, freedom, passion, and joy. When you recognize your need for the Savior, and accept His sacrifice for you, it is far more than anything this world can offer.
This powerful relationship goes both ways. In the third chapter of the book of Zephaniah, we read of the people of God who turned away from their Father. But then the prophet explains what happens when His children return to Him: “He will take great delight in you. He will rejoice over you with singing.” He promises to forget your wrong doing, and marvels over you with loving tenderness, singing His joy over your coming back to Him.
Look no longer to your past. Move forward with Jesus. Rejoice in the God who rejoices in you when you place your faith in Him. Whether you have been a believer for five seconds or five decades, this promise applies to your life, daily.
God, I want to learn to rejoice in you every single day. Joy and peace are not created by circumstances, but by faith. Set a fire and a joy in my heart for all things concerning you. My life is yours. Amen.
Go Deeper — For the next three days, take time every morning to make a list of the things you are grateful for. Then, play your favorite worship song (and maybe even dance), and sing before God as you let let your heart be filled with praise. You will see your life take a different turn.
Photo Credit: Mi Pham