Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Psalm 30:11, “You have turned my mourning into dancing; You have removed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.”

Background

Recently I heard a woman speak about her life overseas in service to the Lord. Like so many that have been called to that particular type of ministry, her daily routine is anything but routine, and what she would call normal would leave most of us whimpering like a little child. She spoke of her living arrangements as she moved from town to town, and said that electricity was usually available about half the time in her apartments. Running water was slightly less common, and absolutely unsuitable for drinking. She spent time helping people who live in straw huts in villages where the temperature is commonly above one hundred degrees. And through the years, six of her beloved colleagues had been shot to death or stabbed. Bus as she discussed the life God had called her to, I couldn’t help but picture the reactions that many of us would have if our lives were dealt some of the hardships that have become expected in her life. And where I would expect complaining and disgust to be our expression, this lady showed not a bit of that. If the power in our house worked only half the time, the people at the electric company would know us by our first name. If we had hot running water only a couple days a week, our ability to function would almost cease to exist. And what would our anxiety levels be if someone on our street or in our office had been brutally murdered?

Application

It is so easy to complain, and worse yet, it is so common. We do it without thought and to no good end. But our Lord calls us to be uncommon. He wants our actions and reactions to be such that the people who see them cannot explain them. He wants them to grapple for the reason we do what we do, ultimately seeking for the explanation that defies logic and reason. That is what comes of gratitude in the face of obscene adversity. That is what comes of living by faith. That is what comes of holiness. It’s a huge calling, made by a huge God. But He is big enough, if you’ll let Him be.

Charge

As we seek Him today, ask God for the grace to replace your griping with thanksgiving. Put on gladness where disgust usually resides.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words