Ask for Joy; Take it with Both Hands

Psalm 86:3-4: Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

In this prayer Psalm David asks a number of specific things, and remembers that the Lord is loving and trustworthy. Joy is one of those things he requests. It's right along with mercy, that his life be saved and guarded, and to be taught God's ways and truth.

What main things do you ask God for when you pray? Have you ever thought to plead for the gift of joy?

One would think that when God answers our prayers to rescue us from Hell, and saves us from our sins, and keeps us out of harm's way, and delivers us from our enemies, gratitude and joy should be a natural response from us. There should be no need to ask for joy specifically. Yet, of all the thoroughly mature and wise Christians I know, only a few come to mind who bubble over with joy most of the time. It does seem to be something extra that must be requested.

I suspect it is always proffered to us. Perhaps we just need to recognize our naturally short supply, and accept it from the hand of the Lord on a daily basis. To that end, I'm finding that putting joy on my daily prayer list and asking for it, and reminding myself to exercise it helps.

Doing this study of Joy Gems keeps the concept of joy in the forefront of my thoughts, and lo, it increases proportionately.

PRAYER: Yes, Lord Jesus, I see in the gospels that You said to the disciples, “My peace I give to you,” and “My joy I give to you.” Your hand must get tired holding these gifts out to us when we ignore them and don't accept them.

Well, right now I want to take Your joy and peace with both hands! Yes, thank You, I'll have some! Now, how do I wear joy?

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