I was having trouble figuring out what to write this devotional about. I had a few ideas, but none of them fully developed. I decided to spend some time with God, praying specifically about what might be a good thing to invest in writing about – something that might be useful to anyone reading it. Ironically, anytime I sat down to try to pray, read my Bible, or seek any insight as to what a good topic might be, I wanted to do anything but that. I realized this is often how I approach my time with God. I feel similar emotions towards reading my bible and praying as I do about completing a task, or exercising. After I do it, I’m always glad I did, but its not something I always look forward to.
This struck me as kind of a red- flag in my relationship with God. If it really is a relationship, and that’s what differentiates Christianity from every other religion, shouldn’t there be something more relational about spending time with Him? I came to realize that I do not view God as a God of joy and excitement. And no wonder, if the only time I spend with him I am making myself sit still and be disciplined in studying my Bible. (Both of these are very significant spiritual disciplines that can greatly deepen our relationship with God, but are not the only aspects of walking with him). During my devotional times I would always feel like I was going in for supervision with my boss, where they tell me what i’m doing wrong and what I need to improve. I take notes on their instruction so I can learn from it. And although part of our relationship with God, like any relationship, includes acknowledging our shortcomings, seeking forgiveness and changing our ways, that isn’t the extent of what God intended for us. Jesus didn’t die just to make us better people; he died to we could be with him, in his presence for eternity.
I began thinking that there was a lack joy and excitement in my life. I looked in my concordance for the word ‘joy’ and was surprised at how many times it is talked about. One of my favorites came from the book of Nehemah. At this point in the book, Nehemiah has lead the Israelites to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. After facing much opposition, doubt and apathy, the task was complete and the people of God could live as He intended. Once everyone had returned and was settled in the city, it was requested that Ezra the Scribe read aloud the book of the Law of Moses. Upon doing so, the people began to weep as they heard the words and understood how far they had strayed from God’s plan. Instead of allowing them to remain stuck in regret, Nehemiah gives a different instruction in 8:9-10 “Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all ‘This day is sacred to the Lord your God.’ For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the law. Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength’”
Nehemiah openly states that honoring God and his law need not be a stoic activity that is laden with guilt or remorse. Conversely, the day of the Lord, and being in his presence should be cause for great joy and celebration. It is that joy that empowers us to manage the other parts of life. David echoes this idea in Psalm 21:6. “Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad in your presence.” The Lord Almighty, our Heavenly Father, wants us to experience joy in spending time with him. He is the one who created laughter and fun, and wants to be a part of our lives in those moments just as much as when we are crying in a foxhole. Just as he commands us to be Holy, evidence of becoming like Him is showing the fruit of His Spirt in us. The first of which is listed in Galations is Joy. If you’re like me, it may take some intentionality remind yourself that God doesn’t want our time with him to feel like a lecture, but like a sweet afternoon between father and child. But if there is anything worth being intentional about, it’s experiencing joy in the presence of our Heavenly Father.