October 28, 2012

Author: Andrew Comiskey
October 28, 2012
‘You have filled my heart with greater joy that when their grain and new wine abound.’ (Ps. 4:7)

David now reflects upon joy: the fruit of undivided attentiveness to God. He contrasts that joy to the happiness of prosperity. Perhaps he refers here to the rise of his pursuers, including son Absalom, who were growing in numbers and strength against the king.

Some years ago, a young married couple, both of whom came out of homosexuality, conceived a child then endured much suffering through a difficult pregnancy and an even harder delivery. We feared for the life of mother and child. At the same time, we read of a celebrity ‘lesbian’ whose new girlfriend had, with the help of a surrogate, popped out babies like cookies from the oven.

I recall such a mix of emotions as to why the wicked seem to prosper while the righteous travail. Then I witnessed the joy of this much-tested couple whose boast is a beautiful child. The light of Glory shines on them. Grateful and utterly dependent on Him for all, their joy surpasses the happiness of prosperity.

‘Do not let your heart envy sinners but always be zealous for a fear of the Lord. There is surely a future and hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.’ (Prov. 23: 17, 18)

‘Show us the difference between joy and happiness. Show us Your face. You alone set the aching heart free. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we confess our sins of cowardice and compromise. We have violated Your holy commands in regards to what we have done to our bodies and to other bodies. And in our compromise we have become cowards, unwilling to stand for what we know to be true for the dignity of all. We ask that You might have mercy on Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington; uphold marriage in these states, and in our nation, as the Supreme Court prepares to rule on ‘gay marriage.’


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