River Of Pleasure

Psalm 100:2 – Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. (NIV)

In the midst of mundane happenings and basic, routine, everyday tasks, some days turn out to be extraordinary. So it was when I walked to a nearby store and the only thing occupying my mind was the item that I needed from that particular store and how it would help my day.

I had with me one of the devotional booklets that I write and print off, and offered it to the personnel. To my utmost surprise, the booklet received a big smile and was welcomed most kindly.

So different was this from what had happened the day before, when offering my booklets I had received only a bold "No!"

Yet, several days before that, I had left one on a waiting room table, wondering what would happen to it. A few days afterward, someone I know came to me and handed me a note from her friend who had found my booklet in that waiting room and was asking for three different devotionals, naming the titles. I went to work right away and printed them, ready for delivery.

My point is that over the years, my devotional booklets have been either received as a lifeline or rejected most bluntly, with some chosen words to match! Yet it has not stopped me — quite the opposite!

The brief time with the store owners was a big blessing from God, as we had agreement about God's binding revelations to each of us. God's presence was given to us in that moment in life as a powerful moment of spiritual uplifting. Truly, God's compassion is new every morning, never failing us.

A day is never just an ordinary day! My feet hardly touched the sidewalk when I walked home with springs on my heels, rejoicing. It was as if paradise had opened its gates and a river of pleasure filled my heart. It was as if everything worldly had grown strangely dim and the glory of God filled the air.

Luke 15:10 – In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. (NIV)

Truly, an ordinary day turned into a blessed meeting of fellowship and love.

1 John 1:7 – But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. (NIV)

Although I have found great support for my booklets, I know that each of us is just a tool, an instrument, in God's hands. But being an instrument in God's hands certainly has its rewards. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for precious moments of eternity in an ordinary day in Your presence when total strangers meet and rejoice in a sacred, godly moment that lifts us from the ordinary to a special time before You for our good. Open Your heaven again to fill Your people with Your love and salvation! In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen!