12 Dec JOY IN THE JOURNEY
BY MICHELLE WALLACE
Last year we moved into an older home and lived there while making updates. We were confined mostly to the bedrooms and spent some time outdoors when it wasn’t too hot. The remodel took a few months and became stressful at times. Yes, I understand our friends in other countries only dreamed they had these first world problems. Yet, the house being filled with workers, massive amounts of dust and the kitchen temporarily out of commission caused us to be unsettled.
During that time, an interior designer who frequently sees people through remodels, told me to enjoy the journey. Hmmm, I understood what she was saying. We reflect what we behold, if we behold our problems we reflect them, when we behold the goodness of God, we reflect Him. Rather than focus on the chaos that surrounded us, find our peace in spending time with one another and spending time with God. In His presence is fullness of joy! Moments of solitude in unexpected places, like picnics in the backyard with takeout. You’ve heard of breakfast in bed, how about lunch and dinner too. The workers became friends and we looked for ways to bless and encourage them as they rebuilt our home. We tried to remain thankful for the home God gave us and thankful that the result would be a blessing to us, our family and our friends.
“Joy in the journey,” sometimes easier said than done. We live in a time much like my house under construction. There is disorder, dysfunction, and disaster; the result of living in a broken world.
There’s a great story in the Bible about a man named Nehemiah. He discovered the wall necessary to protect his people was broken down. My commentary explains under Nehemiah’s leadership the committed believers overcame laziness, mockery, conspiracy and threats of physical attack in order to rebuild the wall.
While the first part of the book of Nehemiah deals with the wall, the second deals with the people inside the wall. In Nehemiah chapter 8, the people read God’s word; they see the depths of their own depravity and begin to weep. Before that time they didn’t really know. So much of the time we simply can’t see. In my own life, I recognize there are times when I become independent from The Lord, and like it describes in Revelation 3:18, I need to buy eye salve, medicine for my eyes so I can see, really see! It’s a time of sorrow just like the people of Nehemiah’s day experienced.
However, God didn’t want to leave His children there and I believe what happens next is so relevant for today. In the midst of profound sadness, Nehemiah the governor, along with Ezra the priest and scholar and the Levites who were teaching the people, said to all the people, “This day is holy to God, your God. Don’t weep and carry on.”
He continued, “Go home and prepare a feast, holiday food and drink; and share it with those who don’t have anything: This day is holy to God. Don’t feel bad. The joy of God is your strength!”
The Levites calmed the people, “Quiet now. This is a holy day. Don’t be upset.”
So the people went off to feast, eating and drinking and including the poor in a great celebration. Now they got it; they understood the reading that had been given to them.
When we understand the good news, the fact that God did not come to judge the world but to save it through Christ, we are filled with joy. The great exchange is made when I give Him my weary, broken, hard, sinful heart; and He gives me a new heart, a new life, a new name.
While this world is dark and growing darker, I believe this day is holy, set apart like no other day! The fact that you were born in this hour, for this time, is remarkable. Matthew 13:16 says, “But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”
The past year was a time of many challenges; the enemy would love to steal our joy. He uses circumstances and he uses people. We need to be discerning in how we deal with people. Thessalonians 5:14 explains: “We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” Sometimes people are just weary from the battle, the darkness has overwhelmed them and we need to encourage the disheartened.
Other times people come in opposition to the building, like they did with Nehemiah. We are called to warn those who are idle and disruptive. I’m learning to confront or “care-front” the idle and disruptive. Prayerfully, I identify the motive of my own heart. If the motive is to build, not to tear down, then led by God’s Spirit, I speak truth in love. I say it the way I would want to be told. It’s hard when you’re wired to be non-confrontational, but peace at any cost is not peace and silence is falsehood. We have to be willing to choose the person over relationship. In other words, their life is more important than being liked or well thought of.
At times, people are simply weak. When someone is weaker than us it doesn’t mean they are lesser. In God’s eyes we are the same. We know to the one much is given, much is required. We have to help the weak. God knows our propensity to lose patience and charges us, be patient with everyone.
Through it all, we want to love people well in these times. The word is clear: share with those who don’t have anything. Honestly it’s hard not to have joy when you’re thankful and giving. There is so much life found in blessing those who have nothing.
So friend, here’s my prayer for you: Don’t be sad, this day is set apart like no other day. Cook a feast for the holiday and share some with those in need. Love people well! Pray and be filled with joy! Live in light of the fact God is building something eternal by His love and His love never fails!
Connect with Michelle at HANDOFTHEKING.com