It Can Last
“The Lord bless you and keep you.”
Numbers 6:24
The colorful wrapping paper and the gift bags quickly landed in the recycling bin, and the much-anticipated toys that received a lot of play-time for a few days now sit neglected in a corner of the den. As with children, so it is with us adults. The new wears off pretty fast. Many of us experienced the heady enjoyment of time spent with family and friends during the holidays. The delightful musical programs and the specially planned church services all left us with a warm, satisfying feeling that even prompted us to make bold resolutions. Can we carry that bouyancy beyond the season, or, like the kids, will we do a ho-hum and go back to our usual routine?
As always, there are a hundred-and-one things calling for our attention in the work-a-day world. How can we carry a vibrant spirit into the year ahead? Our answer can be found in the first line of the Aaronic blessing that God gave to the children of Israel: “The Lord bless you and keep you.” There is strength and assurance underlying the apparent calm of those words because they have the backing of God’s unfailing power. And Jesus Himself said He desires that our joy will be full (John 13:11). Maintaining the cheerful, upbeat spirit is within our reach through Him. We can go forth each day believing in God’s blessing and keeping, which is not just for the times of happy celebration, but for all times. Our joy doesn’t have to disappear with the season or with any of the good times we may experience. God can keep our joyful, optimistic spirit alive way past the new year and into every new day. If we affirm God’s blessing and keeping the first thing each morning, we will find that the new doesn’t wear off at all. A fresh, vitalizing spirit sweeps in on the wings of each new day.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Your power to bless and keep me this day and to assure me that the joy You give is meant to last.
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Dear Friends,
I hope our relationship will continue with this new venture of a short weekly devotion that I will prepare. Over the years, I have written devotional articles, some of which have appeared in such places as The Upper Room devotional magazine, Daily Devotions for Writers, and my denomination’s international annual women’s devotional. As I share my thoughts, based on the WORD, I trust that they will add something worthwhile to your spiritual walk.
Always,
Judith
4 Comments
Derval Chin
And to buttress the assurance that THE LORD gave in Numbers 6: 24 , the Apostle Paul in the letter to the Philippians , 6-7.. “be anxious for NOTHING” ie..Don’t stress, don’t fret !!
Judith Nembhard
Wonderful, Derval! That is a favorite verse of mine. I read it every morning. We can keep an optimistic spirit if we aren’t worried about things. Thanks for your wise comment. JN
FARTEMA MAE FAGIN
Hi Judith, I started my morning reading your devotional nugget, ‘It Can Last’.
It’s an encouraging message to start the year off. Joy. Yes, it can last. We must remind ourselves, and remember the goodness of God that bless and keep us.
In 2010, I attended a memorial service for a friend. The eulogist described my friend as a ‘joyful’ person. He said Joy stands for ‘Jesus On You’, and reminded us to live a life that showed the love for Jesus in our lives.
I have a sofa pillow with the Word ‘Joy’ embroidered on it. I choose to keep it displayed
all year round. It reminds me that Joy is a gift from God, and must be embraced every day. My mother used to say. “If you don’t have Joy, shout for joy. ” Pray for it. (Psalms)
Thank you for continuing to include me on your blogs which are always encouraging and uplifting for me. By God’s grace, I’m still learning how to “squeeze the juice out of retirement.”
My second children’s book will be available soon. Stay tuned. It’s title, ‘I Hear Music in the Air.’
May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you 🙏🏾 in the name of Jesus.
JOY!
Judith Nembhard
Hi Fartema, Happy New Year and precious blessings to you! What words of encouragement you have brought me and the other readers this morning! “Joy is a gift,” you say. That is something to remember. Let’s take it now from the hand of our Lord.
Congratulations on the good news about your book. Looking forward to it. Continue to experience the “fullness of joy,” JN