Mountain Tops
Since we all have peaks and valleys in life I wanted to write and focus for a moment on the mountain tops. And how much scripture there is that focuses on Joy. You can literally google scripture on Joy in the Bible and get lists of scripture and if your in a valley right now and need a different perspective I suggest you do that. Sometimes if we are in the deepest of lows if we just focus on the positive for a moment it can change our whole day. A good Psalm to turn to get started is Psalm 91. We are reminded with this Psalm that God is our refuge and our strength. I find that to be a comforting thought. It is always a a Psalm I keep close to my heart to help get me to rejoicing again. Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
God always provides. I enjoy praise and worship music. I enjoy to turn on some praise music and sing to God, it brings me Joy. I can imagine God singing along with me every time. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always. A little fact…in the English standard version of the Bible the words Joy, rejoice or joyful appear a total of 430 times.
That’s something to be joyful about right there.
Think about what brings you Joy. Is it praise music or extra devotion or prayer time? What fills your heart up to the brim? Today take some time out to figure that out. John 16:22 so also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.
My favorite part of the scripture is the end…no one will take your Joy from you. Take notice of that for a minute. God’s word points out that no one can steal your joy but how many times do we let that happen? I admit it is a real problem for me. I can be having a fantastic day and then can get one phone call or one text that can take me from the mountain top tot he valley in a matter of moments. I need to then refer to Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts and I am helped; my heart exults and with my song I give thanks to him.
I have to conciously give it all back to God and take my joy back. We live in a fallen world, we are going to have trials but we can face trials and still remain on the mountain top. It is possible. We can arm ourselves with the scriptures, we can arm ourselves with praise. James 1:2-4 count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have it’s full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If you are currently joyless, pursue God. When you draw close to God, he draws close to you the Bible promises that to us. Put in time in your Bible. Put in time doing activities that put a smile on your face. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.