The promise of joy – 20 November 2009

“I will sing for joy in God, explode in praise from deep in my soul!  He dressed me up in a suit of salvation; he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride a jewelled tiara.  For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers, and as a garden cascades with blossoms so the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom and puts praise on display before the nations” 
Isaiah 61 v 10-11  [The Message]

What a message!  I had to use this translation, for me it best expresses the bountiful joy and praise that our majesty deserves.  I stand in royal robes, in HIS righteousness, restored, redeemed, ready to celebrate and rejoice.... ‘bloomin’ marvellous’!  I don’t deserve this, I have not earned this, yet it is mine to freely receive and receive it I do.

On Monday I shared with you that God had promised me that this would be my year of joy, he gave me this promise through many people in many ways, that to my peace he would add joy.  One dear sister in Christ, along with the word JOY, also had a picture of a champagne bottle popping it’s cork - God has a great sense of humour in my life, he knows I'm teetotal!  It was the ‘feeling’ that I believe he wanted to convey, being ‘effervescent’...... sparkling, bubbly, ebullient, light-hearted, happy, jolly... to put it simply JOY-FUL.

God IS faithful, the bridegroom (Christ) to his bride (Church i.e Us) and his promises really do come true.  Why am I going on about my joy?  Because I believe God put it on my heart to share it and encourage others, we can be cup drillers - or cup fillers, and I believe God wants to fill your cup to overflowing.  I have been through many seasons of difficulty, sadness and darkness, and no doubt I will again - it’s called life.  I would demand “Why me?” God would reply “Why not?” of course the same goes for the blessings, Why not me, Why not you, they are for us all.

I need to allow God to change me daily, give him the old and he will do a new thing ..... "Forget the things that happened in the past.  Do not keep on thinking about them.  I am about to do something new.  It is beginning to happen even now.  Don't you see it coming?” Isaiah 43: 18-19 [The Message]

I have wonderful support on my journey, this next line is for one who has truly been like a sister to me, we make ourselves accountable to each other weekly.... “One more step along the world I go; from the old things to the new... keep me travelling along with you”

How do I know where my journey will lead in this life? I don’t, but I can’t wait to find out! I now travel this road with a companion who is God’s gift to me and we both journey with the same vision.  God has a plan and purpose for us, unique to anyone else; mine is with the poor and broken hearted - but where? I don’t know! Rugby? Africa? The streets of London?  I don’t need to know, in his time it will be clear, I know I am on the right road and I choose to live life in its fullness.  God knows the desires of our hearts and the unique person he created us to be, don’t settle for less than you deserve.

We travel with candles on our toes.....In ancient European monasteries monks walked dark corridors with candles on the toes of their shoes, giving them just enough light to see the next step. That's how God leads us - one step at a time, one day at a time; walk too fast and the candles will blow out.

God has given me some new promises this summer and, like Mary, I ponder these things in my heart and continue to dare to believe that HIS promises, the dreams that he dares us to dream, really DO come true.