Week 3 - Joy - Thursday
“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”
Psalm 5:11-12
Psalm 5:11-12
Do you long for the protection of the Lord? We all do at times. We all have times when we wonder if the favor of the Lord is on us…if He really notices that we are having a hard time. What if God isn’t seeing the problems I am facing? We have probably all had times when we have thought He might have forgotten about us. Our verse tells us clearly that we should take refuge in Him and find joy and gladness. It tells us that when we live righteously God surrounds us with His favor just like a shield. Are you a worrier? Do you wonder if God can ever give you back your joy? Do you face mountains of debt or broken relationships or other difficulties that cause you to question God? Take refuge in Him. He is not surprised by the things you are facing. Let Him handle them and you find joy in the giving of it all to Him.
Discussion Question
Who are people that protect you? Police officers, firemen, etc. Think about how they protect us. Compare and contrast that with the way God can protect us.
Family Activity
Our verse says to “ever let them sing for joy”. Gather the family and any others who may want to join you and go out for a night of old-fashioned caroling. Find some older folks who may miss the old tradition and spend some time introducing it to some families who may have never had carolers come to their door.