Pursuit Of His Presence

Psalms 126 

A song of ascents.

1When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,

we were like those who dreamed.

2Our mouths were filled with laughter,

our tongues with songs of joy.

Then it was said among the nations,

“The Lord has done great things for them.”

3The Lord has done great things for us,

and we are filled with joy.

4Restore our fortunes, Lord,

like streams in the Negev.

5Those who sow with tears

will reap with songs of joy.

6Those who go out weeping,

carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy,

carrying sheaves with them. 

 

Devotional

Go Ahead. Laugh!

by Gloria Copeland

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
Something peculiar has been happening to believers these last few years. They’re beginning to rejoice! God is pouring out a spirit of joy so strong, it causes people to laugh for hours. Some of them literally end up on the floor, doubled over laughing with the joy of the Lord.
I’ve seen Ken so filled he could hardly minister. The next day, however, he could not only stand and preach, he felt stronger than he had in 10 years.
I have to tell you though, when God’s people start to praise Him and rejoice with that kind of abandon, it makes some Christians nervous. As a result, many of them are folding their arms, sitting back and saying, “I’m not going to be caught acting like that!”...and as a result, they are missing out on a powerful move of God.
Before you fold your arms and sit back, know this. When we become like Jesus and desire God so intently that we’re willing to cast aside our desire to please men, and praise Him without reservation, we’ll truly see the glory of God.
Why? Because God manifests Himself where He’s wanted. He shows up where hearts are hungry. He’s not going to reveal Himself to a great degree among people whose hearts are only partially turned toward Him.
Consequently, He’s finding people who want Him more than anything else life has to offer. He’s finding people who want His presence more than they want to be respected by their neighborhood.
If you are one of those people, you’ve probably already found out that some of your friends (or family) don’t like it. The glory of God offends them, and they don’t want to be around you—especially when you’re laughing! You have probably found that it’s most often the religious people who have criticized this rejoicing the most harshly.
Or, you may be in the other group...you’re not too sure about all this laughing. You’re not sure you have the strength to face the criticism of the religious people. I have good news for you. You can get that strength by rejoicing because the Bible says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength!”
So go ahead. Laugh!
Speak the Word
“The joy of the Lord is my strength.” —Nehemiah 8:10
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