Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.” So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do. Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. Welcome a very Godly, loving woman, my friend Bobbie.
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“Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” ~Psalm 32:11
It is quite natural for us to be moved and influenced by what goes on around us. When someone is sad, we want to be sensitive, compassionate and supportive. We might naturally suppress our exuberance over something great going on in one’s own life. If we learn that a friend’s lost item (wallet, phone, keys, military ID) is recovered, even if we are struggling with hard things, we freely enter into the joy of that person. Paul says in Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.”
I have a young friend Anne, whose voice and demeanor are supernaturally peppy and hopeful. Her voice is always singing, no matter what the conversation, and her laughter comes easily. Yesterday, when I spoke by phone with this friend, it was clear that she had allowed something or someone to “steal” her joy. I could almost see the cloud hovering over her. We spoke only briefly, and I prayed with her.
As Christian military wives, mothers, single women, daughters, or employees, what circumstances or people rob our joy and bring us down? What do we allow to take the joyful place of our time with and reliance on Christ? A husband’s moodiness, a child’s repeated disobedience, a broken appliance, a zero balance in the checking account.
I visited another young friend Susie, who was clearly frazzled and undone by caring for three little ones alone for 6 months of her husband’s 9-month deployment. I listened compassionately as she shared having no help, no time, no energy, and no fellowship. When I asked about her daily, personal time with God and in the Word, she looked at me incredulously. She had already covered that with “no time.” This sweet woman has allowed her husband’s prolonged absence to rob her of joy, purpose and hope. I asked if she takes time for meals or showers. With the kids about, it is hit and miss. She confessed that mindless television viewing is what she chooses instead of the Bible because it helps her escape. Truthfully, the fellowship, energy, time, and help are readily available to her in her relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I encouraged her to take the first and last seven minutes* of her morning, while still in bed, and spend it with God, praying and enjoying a morsel of His Word.
Our joy is our spiritual blessing from God (Galatians 5:22). Like peace, it cannot be taken from us. We either give it up or allow it to slip from us by inattention, by allowing another person or thing to become “god” to us, or by linking- thus postponing- our joy to some future event.
If you have allowed your joy to wane, ask the Father: “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” Psalm 85:6-7 continues to declare that the lord delights to show you his unfailing love and to restore the joy of your salvation. Friend, it is our choice to accept all He provides and rejoice in Him again.
I spoke with Anne today and immediately heard the song in her voice. She was reading James, who challenges believers to “consider hardship an opportunity for great joy.” She wasn’t faking her return to joy; she was claiming the spiritual blessing of the Lord, freely offered to each believer. I’ll check on Susie this week to see if she decided to prioritize her time with God and find the help, hope, and joy she needs for each day.
In a world, Sisters, that is full to the brim of things outside our control, let us “hold onto” the Joy that is ours. How will you feed your spiritual fervor so that you can rejoice in the Lord always? Respond by leaving a comment here.
“But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!” Psalm 40:16 NLT
*Seven Minutes with God (NavPress)
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Writer, Editor, Consultant, and Conference Speaker, Bobbie Simpson is a seasoned high school English teacher, women’s Bible study teacher, parent of three adult children and grandparent of three.
Married 36 years to her husband Larry, a 27 year Air Force Officer , she credits the success of her marriage to the “cord of three, which is not easily broken.” Faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation that drives her passion for marriages that thrive, singleness with satisfaction, and parenting with purpose.
For the past seven years Bobbie has written and facilitated spouses’ and couples’ conferences for Spiritually Smart Family Conferences, a ministry that she and her husband founded under the auspices of Officer’s Christian Fellowship. Bobbie is ardent about the health and success of military marriages and homes.
Linking up today with my friend Kristin over at Three-word Wednesday and having a little Coffee for your Heart with Holley.
