"Glad"

 There’s just some chores I’d rather not,

But seems I’ll always do,

Thankful for the grace I’ve got,

To always see me through.

There’s just some folks I do not like,

But seems they’re here to stay,

Sometimes I wish they’d take a hike,

But God makes it okay.

There’s just some times that make me sad,

Get down and feel so blue,

At other times I get real mad,

I’ll admit it’s true.

But then grace will help and lift,

My anger drains away,

He can always heal the rift,

If I listen He will say,

Just give them what I gave to you,

Forgiveness, love and grace,

Remembering all this is true,

Sure helps me run my race.

Sometimes we think there shouldn’t be,

So much to overcome,

But in the end He sets us free,

From every weight, not some.

And I would never, ever trade,

This life for what I had,

God’s beauty in all He has made,

My heart is very glad.

“For You make me glad by Your deeds, O Lord…” (Psalm 92:4, NIV)

Gladness is a gift from God but it’s also a choice. Joy is defined as “consistent gladness of heart.” This is not the same as enthusiasm, because one can actually be enthused about doing something God says is wrong. But being glad is a state of mind produced by embracing God’s grace and perspective. If we could see everything from heaven’s point of view we would react differently, don’t you think? We would be able to see what matters and what doesn’t, what’s a big deal and what isn’t. And that’s exactly what the Holy Spirit wants to give us. And when we see things God’s way, gladness follows.

Lord, thank You for making us glad, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mark Maggiori, used by permission. Thanks, Mark, and God bless you.