“I am so thankful that l have a joy that the world can not rob me of; I have a treasure that the world can not take from me; I have something that is not in the power of man or devil to deprive me of, and that is the joy of the Lord.”
Those words were spoken by D.L. Moody. His thoughts spoke to me and resonated. My question… how full is our thankfulness! Can we say we are FULL of thanksgiving? Do we look at our joy and treasure with eyes of thankfulness? And... how do you express your thankfulness?
Those aren't idle questions. They really go to the heart of who we are and how we see the Lord's hand in our lives. The words in Hebrews tell us:
"Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]." [4:16]
You really can't come with this attitude, assurance if you don't know the person you are coming to and the relationship you have together. This speaks of a confidence that you know and appreciate who you seek... plus knowledge based in experience.
There's also a parable in Luke that's relevant:
" Then He said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves [of bread]; for a friend of mine who is on a journey has just come to visit me, and I have nothing to serve him’; and from inside he answers, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything just because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence and boldness he will get up and give him whatever he needs." [Luke 11:5-8]
For the person asking, seeking this parable implies a relationship that he knows he will receive from his friend what is needed. Now take that same thought, that same attitude and apply it to when you seek the Lord. Do you come with confidence based on your relationship?
Back to Moody's words. He is speaking with confidence and knowledge of his relationship with the Lord. And he is telling us that it brings him such joy that he is full of thankfulness. Personally... I want that depth, breath of relationship with Jesus that I know that I can always come. And with outstretched hands He is welcoming me. Joy! Priceless.
"And do not be worried, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and your stronghold." [Nehemiah 8:10b]
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