“How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O LORD, they walk in the light of Your face. In Your name they rejoice all the day, and by Your righteousness they are exalted.” (Psalm 89:15-16)
Many immigrants who came to America in the 19th century were overwhelmed with the freedom they found to worship God. G.D. Hall was among those who ministered to these grateful immigrants.
In August 1899, Hall held a series of services in a small prairie town where he found an intense hunger for God’s Word. Many who attended were poor, but they were “happy in Jesus and satisfied with their lot.”
Some lived in sod houses and had endured many trials. But Hall found that their faith gave them “power to soar above their circumstances.” And they had a great appetite for the Gospel.
Christians can learn many lessons from those immigrants. Amid our modern conveniences, we easily can focus on material comforts. But as those immigrants found, our joy should not be related to our external circumstances. We can experience the joy of the Lord no matter where we are, no matter what’s going on in the world, and no matter how much (or how little) money we have.
Think about your life. Are you so focused on your circumstances that you have forgotten about God? Don’t let anything distract you. Let the joy of the Lord fill your heart. Don’t place your hope in the possessions and pleasures of the world. Start praising God. Worship Him. Sing to Him. Thank Him for what He has done for you. And commit your life to Him.
Prayer
Father, thank You for all that You have done for me. I rejoice in You. I worship You. You are worthy to be praised. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
