The Varying Terrain of Our Emotional Landscapes

Psalms 105:1-8

"Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced, you His servants, the descendants of Abraham, His chosen ones, the children of Jacob. He is the LORD our God; His judgments are in all the earth. He remembers His covenant forever, the word He commanded, for a thousand generations."

The Word of God reminds us, "let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice (v.3)". In God's presence there is joy, indeed "strength and joy fill his dwelling (Psa 16:11), no wonder the psalmist says better is one day in God's courts than a thousand elsewhere (Psa 84:10). No matter the disappointments, our frustrations, the heartaches we experience, and the varying terrain of our emotional landscapes, may we find peace in laying them all at the feet of Jesus Christ: "Rejoice in the Lord always," says St. Paul, "I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Phi 4:4-7)." He is compassionate and merciful towards us and He brings us comfort in the knowledge that whatever we encounter, it is for our good and for His glory. So friends, let us "rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (I Thes 5:16-18)."