Psalm 66 is filled with references to joy and joy itself. As I read that I thought to myself, 'easier said than done!'
Joy these days, for some, is hard to come by, is it not? Terrorism has become a part of our daily existence, sometimes far off, other times too close to home. Racism is a huge reality in our country and the world as nations attempt to right past wrongs and discern how to welcome strangers from other countries.
The Presidential Election, almost to the point of party conventions", is heating up as is the rhetoric, name calling and finger pointing. The climate in Washington is toxic! There are questions as to the future of the European Union ability to stay together following the Brexit and financial markets the world around are reacting in furious fashion as once again pensions and investments seem to disappear right before our very eyes.
You get the picture, don't you? You wonder if it's safe to watch the news at night or in the morning, ask when the next shoe is going to drop and hope and pray that an end is in sight so we could return to the good old days.
One could add one's own personal list to the above and from time to time I do that. Know what happens then? I get really down. That's because all I focus on is the negative realities and fail to recognize the positives, which outweigh the negative.
No matter what is going on in life, the presence of the living Lord trumps those small and large defeats. After a long day or week of long days that have been difficult, all it takes is a moment to pause and look up to the night sky to witness the grandeur of creation. When the going gets tough I know that God is going with me.
Perhaps we need to develop a better attitude of gratitude? Or maybe it's just me. Whatever the case might be, I think you might agree that when we stop to think and reflect on the 'awesome' work of God life looks a little bit better and we recognize the source of all. For that we give thanks.
So, here's a little exercise for you to consider. For the next week make a list, a list of the good things in your life. Take some time each day to write down something, items, people, that bring you joy and then, give thanks. I'm convinced we need to reorient our thinking, recognize the blessings and then respond appropriately. God is good. Life is a wonderful gift. We have much to be joyful for this day.