I have no merit
to woo or delight Thee,
I have no wisdom
or pow’rs to employ;
Yet in thy mercy,
how pleasing thou find’st me,
This is Thy pleasure:
 that Thou art my joy. 

Great Is Thy Faithfulness (1923)
By: Thomas Chisholm (1866–1960)

Listen to this version in a gospel style as you prepare to ponder this hymn. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

We continue our journey through this popular hymn which declares the faithfulness of our God, true in every season, experienced by hearts of faith. Let’s think about this.

God Took Initiative

The first half of this stanza appears to be a real downer, until the second half redeems it and with it any hope we have at experiencing the faithfulness of God. It starts by outlining our utter depravity before restoring the possibility of something else. The first part of the thought from Jeremiah 9:23-24 could be viewed in a similar negative light if it were not for the latter half for it tells us what not to do, before instructing us what to do instead.

Yet in thy mercy,
how pleasing thou find’st me,

…but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:24 ESV 

He practices that steadfast love, justice and righteousness on us, and even delights to do so. This must be our boast. Not anything that we are or have done, but in the unmerited favor and delight of our Lord.

Consider the image above. It makes me think of someone who has opened themselves to the bright glory of the knowledge of God and His steadfast love, justices and righteousness. Can you see yourself taking such a posture? Are you open to God’s mercy, allowing it to flow in Your life?

There is nothing in us that merits that mercy, but even still, the Lord makes a way for me to be found pleasing to Him. None of that lies with me.  It is His mercy, not getting what we deserve. It is all His work, so none can boast, other than boasting in Him. 

Spirit, help me boast in God today, and forever. Make that boast right now, then all day and forever. Make your boast in Him today, then repeat that every day, for eternity. 

RESONATE!
When was the last time you boasted in God? Told someone else of the mercy you have received? It does not have to be a long, drown-out story, but can be as simply as just expressing something He recently did for you. Keep it simple, but commit right now to look for an opportunity to boast in Him today. Then ask the Spirit to help you do it today, and repeat that every day, until it becomes a way of life. Hardly anything will please Him more than for you to make much of Him.

I Humbly Responded

But as if His unmerited mercy in our lives was not enough, these last two lines take things to an entirely different level. What is God’s pleasure? What brings Him the greatest delight? Our finding our joy in Him!

This is Thy pleasure:
that Thou art my joy.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 ESV

What is God’s pleasure? That I find my joy in Him. How amazing is that? Our greatest joy, fullness of joy, is found only in His presence, at His right hand forever, and His pleasure is our discovering and living in that. Hallelujah!

Is your life the equivalent of a hallelujah to God? Is it obvious to others you find your greatest delight in God? Do you seek out ways to bring Him praise?

To find eternal joy in God is the greatest blessing this life affords. What is more, it is difficult for us to fathom that there is nothing that gives God greater pleasure than for us to find that joy. Marvel at that incredible mystery again today and rest in it, in Him.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to think about that incredible truth. God takes great delight in you finding delight in Him. It creates a positive feedback loop that can change your perspective and ultimately your entire life. Even if it has to start small, get your hallelujah started today.

Father, thank You for finding delight in my delight in You. Help me to boast in you today and everyday, until it becomes a way of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attributions
Yet in thy mercy, how pleasing thou find’st me –https://pixabay.com/photos/rays-wonder-sun-light-wonderful-2464986/
This is Thy pleasure: that Thou art my joy – https://pixabay.com/photos/woman-girl-freedom-happy-sun-591576/

He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders wonders of His love

Joy to the World 1719
By: Isaac Watts (1674 – 1748)

Listen to this modern acapella version of this carol as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we conclude our journey through this carol in which we call the world to sing with joy, how will you find your place in the song? Let’s think about this.

Singing Trees

There is Scripture that speaks of the trees of the field clapping their hands, Isaiah 55:12. When the wind rushes violently through the branches it can soon like applause. That has never been difficult for me to conceptualize. Clapping trees.

But singing trees!?! That is a whole different matter.

Then there is this interesting thought of trees clapping because they are witnessing something happening, like a spectator at an event. But the trees in the verse are singing, like they are the performers. Really though, even the singing trees are responding, here to the coming of the Lord to judge the earth.

The glories of His righteousness

Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness. Psalm 96:12b-13 ESV

The trees are going to help the nations prove the glories of His righteousness by singing for joy when He comes. Can you imagine what that is going to sound like? It makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up just thinking about it. I will sing now so I am ready when the trees do.

They will sing because there is a glory to His righteousness. We do not think about this much but we are dealing with One who eternally is without fault or blemish. He only does right. Though we know this is true it is difficult for our minds to comprehend, living in a world where wrong is so common.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments think about what singing trees will sound like. Will you be ready when the trees start to sing? Make this your simple prayer “Father, show us the glories of Your righteousness.” 

Saving Tree

Now there are singing trees and there is a saving tree. Singing trees are pretty astounding. But the saving tree has no parallel.

God has shown us His love in a myriad of ways, but nowhere else like on that tree at Calvary. The beauty of a sunset, God’s love. The kindness of a friend, God’s love. The mercy of not receiving what we have earned, GOD’S LOVE!

And wonders wonders of His love

Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. Psalm 17:7 ESV

We have seen the wonders of His love, even in our fallen world, yet we still long for the people of every tribe and tongue to see them as well. One day the nations will sing with us. Let’s do everything we can to help them understand that now and usher in the joy!

And His rightness required that He make a way to deal with our wrongness. His doing so through the sending of our Savior reveals the wonder of His love. While we were separated from Him He made a way for us to come back to Him through His sacrifice. What joy!

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and reflect on the wonders of His love, ways both great and small He has shown you His steadfast love. What has prompted you to seek refuge at His right hand? Simply ask Him “Jesus, show us the wonders of Your love.“

Jesus, thank You for the glories of Your righteousness and the wonder of Your love. I want to sing of them all the days of my life, even eternally. Help me to daily lift my voice in praise. In Jesus name. Amen.

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
The glories of His righteousness – https://pixabay.com/photos/forest-trees-sun-rays-sunlight-fog-1072828/
And wonders wonders of His love – https://www.pxfuel.com/en/desktop-wallpaper-jjpah

No more let sins and sorrows grow
Nor thorns infest the ground
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found
Far as the curse is found
Far as far as the curse is found

Joy to the World 1719
By: Isaac Watts (1674 – 1748)

Listen to this modern acapella version of this carol as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this carol in which we call the world to sing with joy, how will you find your place in the song? Let’s think about this.

What’s Growing in Your Garden?

Working a garden is not easy, but it is very rewarding. All the sowing can lead to reaping, as long as the time between the two is active as well. What are you sowing?

When you have sown things that bring blessing there comes an eagerness for the reaping. When you have sown other things there will more likely be dread. All the work to cultivate and tend your garden can seem like futility, and it certainly can be very difficult, but when you care for the process blessings can certainly flow.

He comes to make His blessings flow

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. Romans 8:19-21 ESV

The freedom of the glory of the children of God.How we long for that! We hope for the creation itself to be set free from its bondage to corruption. Jesus made all that possible. He came to start that work and will return to complete it. We long for His blessings to flow!

Thanks be to God that Jesus has a different plan for the garden of our lives. He wants blessings to flow instead of curses. He has already done the significant work required to make that possible, but we have to partner with Him. Will you prepare for your garden work?

RESONATE!
Take a few moments think about what you are allowing to grow in the garden of your life. You can weed out the bad, and cultivate the good. Make this your simple prayer “Lord, help me prepare for my garden work.” 

What Fruit Is Flourishing in Your Grove?

From the garden to the grove the same principles are in play. Trees are known for the fruit they bear. The same is true of us. What are you bearing?

Are there blessings bursting forth from you? Or are there curses? Our sin has wrought a curse, but we bear in our lives the firstfruits of what is to come. Are the signs of those fruits evident in your life?

Far as far as the curse is found

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:22-23 ESV

The redemption of our bodies. The curse brings death, but the blessing Jesus offers is life. The firstfruits of the Spirit deposit that longing in us for our adoption as sons and daughters, when the curse is removed and all we know is the blessing of being with God eternally, like the garden.

His intent is there will be no thorns in our gardens. He will make it so one day. Until then we can labor with Him to remove thorns and create a scenario in which blessings flow. But please note, this is not easy work and must be engaged in regularly for those thorns are insidious.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and reflect on the firstfruits of your life, things that demonstrate the work of the Spirit. You can partner with Jesus to bear the fruit He wants. Simply ask Him “God, help me tend my garden regularly.“

Jesus, thank You for the work you are doing in the garden and grove of my life. I can produce nothing but thorns and curses without Your help. Help me partner with Your work. In Jesus name. Amen.

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
He comes to make His blessings flow – https://pixabay.com/photos/farm-garden-rows-cabbages-1094434/
Far as far as the curse is found – https://pixabay.com/photos/orange-tree-orange-grove-plantation-1117420/

Joy to the earth the Savior reignsLet men their songs employ
While fields and floods
Rocks hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat repeat the sounding joy

Joy to the World 1719
By: Isaac Watts (1674 – 1748)

Listen to this modern acapella version of this carol as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this carol in which we call the world to sing with joy, how will you find your place in the song? Let’s think about this.

Creations Response

We should be using our songs to declare that joy has come. The opening of this stanza is calling all mankind to lift their voices and  offer songs to God. This second portion is describing the natural response of creation.

And just what parts of creation will be joining in? Every part. Though this list is short, it is fairly comprehensive.

• Fields, places where crops are grown, fertile soil
• Floods, all the surface of the water
• Rocks, all the places nothing can grow
• Hills, all the places that are not flat
• Plains, all the places that are flat

While fields and floods, rocks hills and plains

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
  the world and those who dwell in it!
Let the rivers clap their hands;
  let the hills sing for joy together. Psalm 98:7-8 ESV

Our songs join those of every part of creation. This is not adding some new melody, as much as finding that which is woven into the very fiber of every created thing. Have you found that inmost melody? Look to God’s creation for your inspiration and ask the Spirit to help you receive it.

What a beautiful picture of creation offering praise to the Savior! The most common of all topographies are mentioned in this nearly comprehensive list. Yet, did you notice they are responding or rather adding their praise to ours?

 

 

RESONATE!
Take a few moments think about creation offering praise. If there songs are repeating ours that implies we are offering some. We get the song started, then creation follows. Make this your simple prayer “Spirit, help creation praise.” 

Something Worth Repeating

Echo. That what this next line means. Earth, and all its topography, is echoing our joy. The repeat the joy we are sounding.

So are you sending any joy into the airwaves? Are you making a sound that could be echoed? Are you giving earth something to repeat?

Repeat repeat the sounding joy

before the Lord, for he comes
  to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
  and the peoples with equity. Psalm 98:9 ESV

What does joy have to do with the judgment of God? We know His judgment will be done with righteousness and equity. Because we personally trust in the righteousness of Christ, we have peace knowing He has saved us from the wrath we deserve. Hallelujah! What a joy!

Our joy is prompted by the peace afforded in the Incarnation. Because the Savior reigns, and He is with us, we have joy. When was the last time you spent some time simply reflecting on the reason for our joy?

We sound out our joy and the rest of creation echoes. If that is indeed the case, we better make certain we are leading the way with our joyful praise. They cannot repeat our joy if we are not declaring it in the first place. Are you?

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and reflect on the reason for our joy. Jesus arrival in the manger gave us a path to peace with God. Think about that. Then ask Jesus “Lord, help me declare my joy.“

Jesus, thank You for giving me a path to peace. May my joy this season be informed by your coming, and your reigning. Joy to the earth, help my praise sound forth. In Jesus name. Amen.

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
While fields and floods, rocks hills and plains – https://pixabay.com/photos/river-fields-trees-meadows-hills-6066233/
Repeat repeat the sounding joy – https://pixabay.com/photos/colorado-echo-lake-mountain-1213206/

Joy to the world the Lord is come
Let earth receive her King
Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room
And heav’n and nature sing
And heav’n and nature sing
And heav’n and heav’n and nature sing

Joy to the World 1719
By: Isaac Watts (1674 – 1748)

Listen to this modern acapella version of this carol as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we begin our journey through this carol in which we call the whole earth to worship, let’s make certain we are diligent about doing that as well. Let’s think about this.

Every Heart Prepare Him Room

No room in the inn. Jerusalem was crowded because of the census so it makes sense on one level. But to think that the King of Kings had no place to rest His head other than a manger seems inconceivable.

Of course, part of the plan of the Father was to demonstrate that He was willing to go to extreme measures to show us He had made a way for His presence to come to all, even those of the humblest, lowest state. That is good news for us because we all come to that very place, the end of ourselves, before we are in a position to make the room necessary for Him to enter. Even still that entrance must not be the only time we make room.

We must continue to make room for Him. It requires a conscious effort because there are so many things that compete with that affection. We make room in our hearts for Him, and then we must keep making room.

Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 ESV

No room in the inn meant the King slept in a manger. No room for Him in our lives means we are the ones not finding the rest He has made available. How will you make room in this busy season to welcome Jesus into your heart? It will require some space, and some time.

Welcoming a King with a parade or banquet is common. Welcoming a King by yielding your entire life including eternity is not. This is however exactly how our King must be received, offering Him not just room in our heart, but its throne. Our heart must become His throne room.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments think about what might be crowding Jesus from His rightful place in Your heart. Determine to make the room for Him to demonstrate He is indeed your King. Make this your simple prayer “Jesus, make my heart Your throne.” 

Heaven and Nature Sing

There is coming a day when the heavens, the earth, the sea, the field and even all the trees of the forest will offer praise. It is hard to imagine what that will be like, and exactly what our place will be in that. All the more reason why we should practice now every chance we get so when those moments come we will be ready.

And heav’n and heav’n and nature sing

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Psalm 96:11-12 ESV

Heaven and nature will be certain to sing, rejoice, roar, and exult. Will you join in, participating in the praise, or will you be found simply spectating instead? We offer a call to worship when we sing the carol, but make sure you are continuing the praise through the season, and beyond.

When our heart becomes His throne room, joining all heaven and nature singing His praises becomes the only appropriate response, and one we long to do. Do you love to sing to your King? If not, ask the Spirit to reveal why. Maybe there is an issue in the throne room.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider how you will sing. Of course, part of that is in this season, but even that song can be empowered with that thought that one day you will be a part of the symphony of creation in praise to the Lord. Is there anything keeping you from offering that worship now? Ask Him, “Spirit, is there an issue in my throne room?”

Jesus, thank You for reminding me that I need to make room for You and offer my praise to You. Both require awareness and diligence. Help me through this season and beyond to practice these disciplines. In Jesus name. Amen.

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
All I Have Needed Thy Hand Hath Provided – https://pixabay.com/photos/jesus-christ-hand-resurrection-4676641/
Great Is Thy Faithfuness Lord Unto Me – https://pixabay.com/photos/hands-hand-together-prayer-5216585/