The spiral starts and ends in Joy!
Seemingly elusive
I think many believers perceive joy as the “Scarlet Pimpernel” of Christianity.
Appealing, but somehow ever-elusive.
Sought after, but like Sir Percy Blakeney, a heroic master of disguise amidst a world jam-packed with chaos.
Reality check
There is a classic quote: “If you’re not depressed, you’re not paying attention.”
The outside world, if focused of, has the potential to quench any positive attitude.
Clearly king David, had the same because in Psalm 37:1 he raises the matter of dishonest, ruthless evildoers outwardly flourishing.
A call to Action
King Davis takes a very interesting approach. He advises his reader to “Delight yourself in the Lord, And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart Psalm 37:4 (AMP).”
Amidst our unfriendly environment he calls us to action though. Not a hurdle, an invitation. One that, if obeyed, would result in a response from the Lord.
We make a move toward Him. He responds with a bigger move toward us.
Desire-Planter
I’d like to submit to you the idea that God is our “Desire-Planter.”
God is the ultimate initiator. Parents plan a family and prepare a baby room. God planned a family and built a universe.
And because of His great love, His desires for us are beyond the best we can desire for ourselves – past limited human thinking!
If we can shift our focus from what’s going on around us onto the One who lives inside us, our perspective will change. Directing our delight toward Him, where deep meets deep, creates an atmosphere where we can receive the desires He wishes to plant within us.
Has the size of some of your desires perhaps startled you? So vast that your logical mind outright rejected it or branded it impossible? Could it be that we have missed God’s best on occasions because it didn’t make sense?
I believe the Lord surprises us intentionally. Recognising it is beyond our ability, the smart thing to do is make our requests known to Him (Philippians 4:6). The lights in heaven certainly won’t dim when we ask for great things.
And we have a beautiful promise in Psalm 94:9a (ESV): “He who planted the ear, does he not hear? …” assuring His answer.
Desire-Giver
When we ask His [planted] desire the Lord has freedom to respond and give us our desires and petitions (Psalm 37:4, Matthew 6:33). And when that answer lands, we can return to Him with thankful hearts and once again rejoice with Him.
Cycle on repeat
Who, after such good experience, would not be motivated to return for more of the same?
Every moment we have freedom to take steps towards enjoying Him, knowing what to expect.
Sure, we will see some desires and requests sooner than others but we can remain in the cycle of joy – oscillating between enjoying Him and enjoying His lavish torrents of goodness.
Ultimately this will become the staircase of our history between us and Him – drawing ever closer together.
The spiral starts and ends in Joy! And Joy has a name – Jesus!
