Joy Gems

A Greater Joy Than That of Successful Farmers

Psalm 4:7-8 You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

This Psalm starts out with a cry for help, yet before it is done, David sees how much joy God has already given him, and it quiets him right down, and he decides to lie down and sleep in peace for God will continue to keep him safe.

He compares that joy to those who have a wonderful harvest. Their grain does well to the bushel, and their grapes produce a fine new wine, so these harvesters have much to celebrate and make them glad. However, David says the joy with which God fills his heart is greater than that of those successful farmers.

Here in Canada we celebrate our annual Thanksgiving on Sunday and the holiday Monday, which comes the second weekend in October. That's when the harvest is usually all done. I have experience only as a gardener, not as a farmer, but I've seen the beaming faces in church of those who had good crops when there was a good price for their grains, and no hail or farm accidents to spoil it all. They do have a great joy. Knowing my vegetables are all in and the garden turned over gives me much satisfaction too.

But when I compare the joy from God that fills my heart over the salvation and the delight in His presence and work in my character, - I think, yes, that joy is as real and wonderful as I let it become. And it does quiet my fears of the future, or how this situation, or that one, will be resolved.

PRAYER: Thank You, Father-God, for how You fill my heart with joy, a joy that has not so much to do with my garden harvest, as the many little proofs that You love me and are totally trustworthy. You are the Almighty God, and have all power and glory and wisdom. You love me better than anyone else! So yes, I can trust You utterly with all my needs and shortcomings, and to deal with my enemies so they cannot overcome me. A BIG Thank You!

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