Issue 918 – The Bridge – November 24, 2022
The years and elements have carved out this incredible natural stone bridge. It spans the space between two larger pieces of the surrounding landscape.
Accessible to only experience rock climbers and not connected to any pathways, it is really a bridge to nowhere. It is pretty to look at but serves no real purpose.
That can be said of many of the things we pursue in life. They are attractive but not good for anything except to enrich the vendor.
I confess to liking shiny things. I like precious and semi-precious stones, silver coins and gold bars, and I can quickly get a case of new stuff envy if I am not careful. Yet, none of that ever brings me true joy.
I’m half convinced that the stories of dragons lying in caves surrounded by piles of treasures that they “must own” but can’t enjoy is a metaphor for many people. We accumulate and accumulate, hoping that “one more” will bring us the joy we seek.
True joy isn’t found in “stuff.” I think, at least intellectually, we can all affirm the truth of that statement, but we often live as if it wasn’t true.
Stuff can, at least temporarily, bring about what feels like happiness, but it isn’t joy.
Happiness is dependent on circumstances, but joy is deeper than our circumstances. We can be joyful even when things are tough.
King David was no stranger to sorrow and loss. He knew well his brokenness and sin and that the Lord disciplined him. He also understood that
joy comes from the Lord.
I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up
and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.
O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.
Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger is but for a moment,
and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
As for me, I said in my prosperity,
“I shall never be moved.”
By your favor, O Lord,
you made my mountain stand strong;
you hid your face;
I was dismayed.
To you, O Lord, I cry,
and to the Lord I plead for mercy:
“What profit is there in my death,
if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me!
O Lord, be my helper!”
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
Psalm 30
Where are you looking for fulfilment and joy? There is only one source …. the Lord.
May you know His joy.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2022 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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