In the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 28, verses 47-48 it says, "Because you did not serve the Lord your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity, therefore in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and dire poverty, you will serve the enemies the Lord sends against you."
These words were given to the Israellites before they were to finally enter the promised land after 40 years of wandering in the desert. They had disobeyed the Lord and were now being reminded to obey Him and his commands or they would become slaves again.
Have you ever lost your joy by being disobedient to God? I think we all have. If fact, I would say we are all disobedient to God as some point every day. I know I am! And I know that that disobedience often results in immediate loss of joy. Our disobedience results in our slavery as well. Maybe not physical slavery as the Israellites were faced with, but we are often slaves to our money and our jobs because we lack obedience to God's will for our lives.
It's not easy being obedient though is it? It's hard not to look to the Lord first when that promotion comes up, or to give that extra amount on Sunday when we really want that family vacation. We lose our patience with our kids and are grumpy with our husbands. Or what about that phone call from a friend who really needs us? Did we make time for that?
God wants us to love others as He first loved us and put others first. That is His greatest command to us. If we can simply keep that in mind, we will become more obedient to Him and in turn, we will be rewarded with great joy. I hope that this week gives you multiple opportunities to love those around you well. I know I will be praying for this for myself and you as well!
Have a blessed week!
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