I was driving to work about 7 in the morning the other day
and stopped at a traffic light. In front of me was a young woman who was
obviously enjoying her morning more that I was. By observation I would say she
was listening to her radio and "jiving" to the music. She was
twisting and turning, bobbing her head and moving back and forth.
I thought about that and wondered why she should be having a
better morning than I was. Was it just
that I was having an off day? Perhaps it was, but I know I don't rejoice as much
as I should. It's not that I dislike mornings, in fact I love to see the
sunrise. The Psalmist said of God in Psalm 65:8 "Those
who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the
sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy."
Of course you're familiar with Paul's encouragement to
"rejoice in the Lord always," (Philippians 4:4), so the idea is not new. However, we, being human,
we need to be reminded and reminded often. You see I do rejoice, but not enough
and possibly not exuberantly enough. In fact it seems that lately I have been
too busy dealing with the everyday concerns of life to remember to rejoice.
Satan does a really good job of distracting me. He works his
way into my world and my life, not necessarily to drag me into some terrible or
sinful behavior, but to distract me from what is really important. It's who he
is, the father of lies. Revelation 12:9
describes him this way: "that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan,
which deceives the whole world."
How can we overcome Satan's power? First, if you haven't
already done so, become a Christian or if you have left your first love, return
to God. Second, spend time in God's Word; it reminds you of what is really important.
Third, spend time talking to God about those things that trouble you; it helps
to unload your problems on someone who truly cares. Fourth, spend time with
God's people in worship and if fellowship. You can't be part of the army
fighting to protect one another and fight Satan if you don't show up at boot
camp or for training. You can't fight and protect yourself and others if you
aren’t watching out for others and participating in the battles.
I may not "jive in my car," but I can still
rejoice in my Lord and all he does for me and gives to me. I don't know that I
will try a little "seat dancing" this morning on my way to work, but what
I do know is that "I can do all things through him that gives me
strength," (Romans 8:28). I
know I need to count my blessings and rejoice more. Maybe you should try it!
