"simple joy"

Tuesday, March 9, 2021 (6:13 a.m.)

Holy God,

Yesterday I used the phrase “simple joy” in describing an awareness. Today I am asking You to guide me in expanding my thinking.

I have come to thank You for the truly simple things that bring me joy. The awareness mentioned above? Having one day seen the early morning clock time of 1:23, followed the very next morning at 4:56. Honestly Lord, these are the simple joys that bring the biggest smiles to my heart. Thank You.

This morning I turned in Your Word (Good News Bible) to see the most basic sketch depicting a safe harbor. Immediately catching my eye, this simple drawing spoke deep into my heart and soul. Thank You Lord. Praise You God.

(7:00 a.m.)

Mm, Lord. The caption to the drawing found in Psalms reads, “He brought them safe to the port. (107.30).” With interest fully peaked, peeked piqued, I begin reading at verse one. “Give thanks to the LORD, because He is good; His love is eternal!” Talk about a simple joy! Thank You Lord.

Illustrated Bible Handbook describes this as “A psalm of redemption - from wandering (4-9), prison (10-16), rebelliousness (17-22) and distress (23-32).” Bringing this account alongside the drawing of smooth sailing I find it accurately described in a comment from The Life Recovery Bible.

“107:23-32 … Bad memories and a sense of failure make our world seem dark and hopeless. The longer the storm rages, the more we fear and lose all hope of rescue. But when we cry out to God in our trouble, He will turn our storm-tossed life into a calm and peaceful sea and restore our joy. We must turn to Him for help, follow His plan for healthy living, and patiently await His deliverance.”

A recurring verse in this psalm clearly states, “Let them praise the LORD for His great love and for all His wonderful deeds to them.” Here again, another opportunity to experience Your truly simple joy.

Verses 29-30, “He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as He brought them safely into the harbor.”

Holy God, we have experienced rough seas in the past. And we’ve celebrated safe arrivals to port. How deeply we thank You for Your great love and wonderful deeds!

Use us this day as we prepare to be the people You created us to be. We love You. We need You. We want You. And we thank You.

“May those who are wise think about these things: may they consider the LORD’S constant love” (v. 43). Yes Lord. Make us wise. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(457 words ~ 7:36 a.m.)