God Gives Us Joy

Scripture:
The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully,
    though they cannot compare
    with the wings and feathers of the stork.
Job 39:13

Observation: As God responds to Job, questioning him to show his lack of understanding, he describes dozens of ways he provides for animals. He feeds, shelters, and protects them, caring for them in childbirth, and daily life. He says this about the ostrich, that it flaps its wings joyfully, despite the fact we know the wings of an ostrich are effectively worthless. It cannot fly, they wings seem to have no purpose, and they are small. They cannot even compare the wings of a stork, by God's own admission.

He goes on to describe how an ostrich is truly ignorant ... leaving its eggs unguarded, failing to care for its young. God gave the ostrich no wisdom and no good sense. And yet, it flaps it wings and runs, filled with joy and laughter. God boasts of a witless ostrich flapping its worthless wings just like he does the hunting of lions, birthing of goats, labor of oxen, feeding of ravens, power of horses, and majesty of a hawk. He does this because joy is just as great a gift to creation as any other daily provision.

Application: God grants me joy in so many ways. From happiness with my wife, to love from and for my children, to daily pleasures, to good food and drink, to even enjoying humor. Joy is a gift God gives to his created people. When I reject joy by focusing on negative aspects of life and the world, I am rejecting God's grace and love just as if I had refused a meal or a healthy life or protective shelter.

Joy is on par with all provisions. For some, like the ostrich, it is the "leading" gift from God. For all, the gift of joy is spiritual gift that we should not only receive with gladness and thanks, but even seek and rejoice.

Prayer: Today, Lord, I choose joy as a way of life. That isn't easy, as we know this world has hardships that seek to destroy our joy. However, I do know that your gifts and your love provide us with joy, and to reject joy is to reject your love, comfort, and care. Your joy can open my heart to so much more in life. May I find your joy all around me, this day and every day. Amen.