“Where others see but the dawn coming over the hill, I see the soul of God shouting for joy.” (William Blake)
“Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.” (Teilhard de Chardin)
Whatever else we have planned for today, we should remember God made it for rejoicing.
We rejoice today in salvation. Jews celebrated Atonement Day; Christians celebrate God’s forgiveness gift. Trusting our Savior, we re-voice our faith and rejoice.
We rejoice today in our life mission. Israelites offered their finest in the Firstfruits Feast; we give God our best in response to His unfailing love.
We rejoice today in time. Hebrews celebrated the beginning of their civil new year with the Trumpets Feast; we celebrate the passage of time under God[‘s sovereignty and rejoice in overshadowing Providence.
We rejoice today in changing seasons. The Feast of Weeks celebrated the end of one harvest and the beginning of another; we celebrate thankfully God’s lavish provision for our needs in every season of our life.
We rejoice today in God’s sustaining us through hard times. Israelites celebrated Passover commemorating deliverance from bondage; we celebrate Love’s guidance through life’s maze. Stunning silence after the storm brings ecstasy.
We rejoice today in our family. Jews celebrated the Shelter Feast together in families; we celebrate God’s abundant provision for every member of our family. Hugging spouse and children, we see the sparkle of heaven in their eyes.
We rejoice today in serenity. Israelites celebrated the Sabbath each week; we take a heaven-sent one-day vacation each week and relax.
God is our Joy every day—including this one.
“Celebrate this seven-day festival to the Lord.” (Leviticus 23:39 NLT)
Johnny R. Almond
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
[This devotion based on Day 72 of Gentle Whispers]
Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia
Blog http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/
