Reasons to Rejoice
Today ended up being a busy day or at least a day that went by fast. After some early office work, I was off to my weekly massage therapy. After that I stopped for some lunch at the local Dairy Queen, and then to a haircut appointment. I navigated into my massage appointment and the Dairy Queen with my walker. I made it, it just took a while, and was a little draining.
After returning home for a nap, I got up to get ready for my presentation to the Larimer County Board of Health and the County Commissioners. They were discussing mosquito spraying and the interface with the City of Fort Collins. I shared my personal story. They were a receptive group and I appreciate the invitation of my friend Commissioner Steve Johnson who made this opportunity possible. (Picture above me and Steve Johnson)
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 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 100:1-5 (ESV)
Perceptions can be interesting. If Christians were a Muppet character which one would fit the image the best? I hope it is not “Oscar the Grouch.” Rejoicing should be characteristic of those whose faith is in the Lord. Why? The Psalmist gives us the reasons.
The Lord we serve is THE God of all the earth. There is no one like Him, there is none besides Him.
We belong to Him and He cannot forsake His own. We are His sheep and those under His care.
The Lord is good. This is a descriptor of His nature. He does what is good because He is good. To do otherwise would be a contradiction to His character.
His love and faithfulness endures forever. We may not be faithful, but He is! Our love for Him may wane, but His love for us remains the same.
Remember when we come into His presence with joy and gladness and singing the glory due His name, the Lord is “tone deaf.” In other words, He delights in our praise regardless of its imperfection.