Psalm 106:5 "That I may see the prosperity of Your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, that I may glory with Your people."
When I read this Psalm a few days ago and felt convicted, this was the first place I started feeling a twinge in my heart - I wasn't rejoicing with His people. Before I even got to the grumbling Israelites, I knew that something was wrong in my heart. I didn't experience that desire to see the joy and glory of God's nation. I was stuck in a rut of frustration and grumpiness and I didn't necessarily seek to change that. The old saying, "misery loves company" may not always prove true, but misery certainly does not love joy and prosperity. When you are miserable, the last thing you want to experience is the bouncy, cheerful heart of a joyful person. No matter how sincere the happy individual is, it seems like they are rubbing it in your face and your would rather be sullen and somber. People in a bad mood should just wear signs saying "grumpy person approaching - leave me alone".
I have a beautiful wall hanging that reads "live life with joy" and for weeks I felt like it was taunting me. Joy? Really? I might be able to move from bad attitude to despondent and apathetic - but joy? That is asking a little much. Actually, it was asking too little.
Ephesians 5:18-20 says "But be filled by the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father."
We are called to be with our fellow believers, encouraging one another and joyfully singing to the Lord and giving thanks. There really isn't a category for bad-attitude loners who just want to be left alone to their misery.
I've started to realize that a funny thing happens when you intentionally seek out the people of God - you are filled with joy. When you seek out those who are filled with His Spirit and you hear what God is doing in their lives, you can't help but rejoice and be glad. When you take your eyes off yourself and your circumstances and open your heart to hear how God is moving in His people - you want to praise Him. This is what God has planned for us. He knows we don't always have it together on our own. He knows we have bad days that can stretch into bad weeks. He knows we wake up some mornings with a scowl on our face. But He gives us great wisdom in His word - He directs us to seek out His people and enjoy the blessing of their company. Before long, the joy of the Lord flows from them, surrounding you and you find your smile again.
Rejoice in the Lord always - and if that is seeming a little strained for you today - find someone who has His joy and bask in the glow.
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