Psalm 100:1-2 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
Julian of Norwich wrote, “The greatest honor we can give to the Almighty God is to live gladly because of the knowledge of his love.” Her words both convict and inspire me.
It convicts me because of how often I let my concerns bury me in a world of worry. Problems I face have a way of eclipsing God’s love. I forget how if it weren’t for the love of God I wouldn’t even be here. He wants to use every difficulty I face to help me grow and learn and trust (James 1:2). To live gladly doesn’t mean we treat our troubles glibly, but with the assurance God’s love will see us through. John Piper says, “If you live gladly to make others glad in God, your life will be hard, your risks will be high, and your joy will be full.”
Amen.
The quote inspires me to view life through the lens of God’s goodness. Glad Christians reflect the gladness of God. We demonstrate to the world the way life is meant to be lived. Knowing he loves us should lift us above every seemingly mundane circumstance we face. And cause us to see our blessings as quiet displays of his affection.
Like last weekend when God gave my husband and me the opportunity to drive seven hours and babysit our two grandsons. When we remember making rice crispy treats with them, reading The Silver Chair, getting flatbread pizza and laughing hysterically over a game of Uno, we smile. But when we realize our time was a gift from the God who loves us, our gladness multiplies.
Psalm 100 offers us a pretty good picture of how to “live gladly.” Laugh more. Serve more. Sing more. The psalmist wants us to remember we belong to God. And God is good, faithful, never, ever wavering in his love. It’s something to make a joyful noise about!
So go ahead, friend. Whether you’re facing days of delight or discouragement, bring honor to the God who loves you. Live gladly.