Psalms 97:11-12 (MSG)
11 Light- seeds are planted in the souls of God’s people, Joy- seeds are planted in good heart- soil.
12 So, God’s people, shout praise to GOD, Give thanks to our Holy God!
Joy-seeds…hmmm…not so sure mine had sprouted this morning. I get up at 4:30 am every morning to take my son to work. Every morning it is the same thing. He gets up at 4:00 we have to be out the door by 4:45. Needless to say, I am still in my PJs when we leave. I always feel like I am rushing him out the door.
Instead of taking those precious quiet moments in the morning with my son, I find myself chastising him for some over looked item. I become impatient and sometimes a downright meanie. That is no way to start his day and certainly not a way I want to start mine.
This morning was right on schedule for our usual routine. I was ready to clobber him by the time we got out the door. When we got to his drop off did I offer words of encouragement? Did I say have a blessed day, God be with you? Did I pray with him? Nope, Nope and Nope. I am ashamed to say I didn’t even mutter I love you. Instead I rushed him out the door before having an argument over something he left at home that he swore I didn’t hand him.
ARGH! Now I know 4:30 in the morning doesn’t exactly scream bright eyed and bushy tailed. I am generally a morning person, but not until closer to 7:00 and 8:00 is even better. However, today’s verse does not say Light seeds are planted in the souls of God’s people at 8:00 in the morning. Joy seeds are planted at 8:30 and both die off as the day goes by.
Nor, does it say God plants, cultivates, waters and harvests light and joy. No, we have a part in this holy farm. We have to shout praise to God and give thanks to our Holy God! In other words we have to water, cultivate and harvest. Joy is always there ready for us to take on. If we do the foot work, God is faithful to bear the fruit in us. Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self- control; against such things there is no law.
So, tomorrow is another day right. 4:30 am will come again. That is true, but you know what, 2:30 this afternoon will come first. I think 2:30 will bring with it an apology to my son when I pick him up today. It will bring a how was your day? It will bear burdens and share rejoicing. As a matter of fact the first thing out of my mouth today will be, “I’m sorry for this morning. I love you and will do better by you tomorrow.” Hopefully, I will help God plant a few of those Joy-seeds!
Lord today I want to belong to you. I want to be crucified by the flesh with its passions and desires. Help me to not only live by the Spirit but also walk by the Spirit. (Gal 5:24-25) I know that whatever a man sows, so shall he reap. (Gal 6:7) Today, I want to sow love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Help me to not lose heart in doing good. Give me the opportunity to do good to all people. (Gal 6:9-10) Let me walk by your rules and may peace and mercy be upon me. (Gal 6:16)