Grace, Already Found
“Glory in His holy Name! Let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!” (1Chron 16:10)
Our hearts can be made glad by reflecting on who God is.
Okay. How?
First, (1Chron 16:11) we are told to “seek the LORD.”
Our joy is with Him. That’s where it is. It’s not anywhere else. To have it, to get it, we must first seek it where it can be found.
Second, (1Chron 16:12) we are called to “Remember the wondrous works that He has done, His miracles and the judgments He uttered.”
I think this answers, in part, the question that might grow from v11: “Where do we seek the LORD?” In part, “Remember what He has done.”
To remember means to turn your mind toward something you already know.
Could you list 7 wondrous things God has done, in Scripture and in your life?
Could you list 7 miracles He’s worked, in Scripture and in your life?
Could you list 7 of His judgments (i.e. rules, commands, or promises) that you find especially helpful?
Exercise:
Compile those lists. (Now you have twenty-one things from God!)
From those lists, select your top five. Reflect on what those works say about God.
Select your top two truths from that list and consider how those truths can give you joy.
Thank God for who He is, what He’s done, and what He’s given to you. Ask Him to fill your heart with joy in those truths.
[Bonus: work on more from your list.]
Example:
What God did: God sent Jesus to die for my sins. (John 3:16)
What this says about God: God loves me, a sinner, beyond my ability to comprehend. (Rom 5:8)
Where the joy is for me: If He did not spare His own Son but freely gave Jesus up for me, won’t He also be watching over me for good today too? (Rom 8:32)
Prayer:
LORD God, thank You for Your love, for sending Jesus to save me from all my sins. Thank you for loving me so far beyond my loveliness and in spite of all I’ve done. Help me to remember Your love, and that Your love is still with me.
Today, I have some heavy things on my heart, some anxious thoughts on my mind, some strange pain in my shoulder, and I had a strange conversation with my boss.
But in all these things, I am loved by You, and You are with me, and Your love is with me. Lord, what peace and joy fill my heart as I remember these things. Sustain me with Your love and power. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
*****
Bonus: Last Sunday I talked briefly about "life with The Algorithm." I have a few more thoughts on this subject: Being Christian in the Algorithm: Some Poetic Thoughts and Suggested Rules. It's a little bit longer than these devos, and I don't want to subject everyone to my more lyrical and enthusiastic writing. But if you'd like me to send it to you, let me know.
Here's a taste: "Rule 7: Consider daily, weekly, and seasonal Algo-fasts where you venture “off grid” for a time. “In the beginning was…” not the Algo. “I will be with you always,” was not spoken by the Algo. You'll be fine."
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash