“Rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Lk.10:20).
“In your presence (Abba) there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Ps.16:11).
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James1:2).
“Father, may they have the full measure of my joy within them” (Jn.17:13).
Dear Abba, Father, Habakkuk your son and prophet affirmed his commitment to rejoice in you right in the middle of a fig-less, blossom-less, grape-less, olive-crop-failing, livestock-gone stretch of life (Hab.3:17-19). For some, this might seem like spiritual spin, feelingless stoicism, or the delusions of denial. But for those who understand the interplay of life in Christ and life in a fallen world—it’s really challenging, but not at all shocking.
Precisely because you are our Sovereign LORD and loving Father, we can trust you with our next several days and weeks—and the rest of our lives. In all probability we’ll experience both “trials of many kinds” (Jms.1:2), and “grace in many forms” (1Pet.4:10). This interplay might threaten our joy, but it can’t destroy it—for our joy is rooted in you, not dependent on things we cannot control. With Paul, our desire is to affirm: “Our hearts ache, but we always have joy” (2 Cor.6:10).
All this Thanksgiving week—and throughout Advent, may we see our names written in heaven’s book more clearly than the trials penciled into our journey Home. May we experience Jesus’ prayers for our joy being answered well before he wipes our tears and makes all things new. Since the fullness of joy is found in your presence (Ps.16:11), bring your presence into the fullness of our messes. Abba, if we haven’t told you lately, we love you and are SO glad we are your beloved children. So Very Amen.
