Hi! I am a daughter of Eve! Yes, Eve, the mother of us all. Like Eve, I have thought I knew better than God. Like Eve, I have tried it my way. Like Eve, I have stepped out of line and had to live with the consequences.

However, despite Eve’s sin bringing forth death for all, her name means, “life-giving.” In the wake of devastation, Eve had something much greater to celebrate! She would be the instrument by which the true “life-giver” would come. And so, like Eve’s name, I want to be an instrument of – “life-giving” intentions that flow from words of encouragement and prayers, and most assuredly, the “life-giving” message of the gospel!

For much of my growing up years a smile occupied my face, despite my spirit running on fumes. Without a daily practice of drawing from my “life-giving” reservoir, my tank ran on anxious feelings, fears, and worthlessness. I felt there was rarely anything of “life-giving” worth about my existence. And as an adult I yearn to fully comprehend “life-giving” joy in the mist of hard circumstances. My prayer for “A Wednesday Fast” is to gain practice in drawing out “life-giving” joy which will be the strength I need to run my race well.

The Bible is a treasure chest of great worth, even the Book of Nehemiah! Arriving on the scene, we see the city of Jerusalem in disarray. The people are mourning and weeping because of the state of their beloved home. Yet, in chapter eight, Nehemiah and Ezra counsel the people not to be dejected and sad, “for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (verse 10). How do they go about finding that joy and being strengthened by it? By reading God’s Word and celebrating! God’s Word should create “life-giving” joy that celebrates! Instructions are given to make a day of feasting, share with those who have nothing prepared, and offer praise and thanksgiving to the Lord (verses 10-12). So often we focus on the gloom and doom of life instead of all we have been promised as God’s children. Hearts of joy are life-giving gifts! As the Spirit of God works in our lives and we allow Him the freedom to rule and reign, joy becomes a byproduct (Galatians 5:22).

“It is through the tender austerity of our troubles that the Son of Man comes knocking. In every event He seeks an entrance to my heart, yes, even in my most helpless, futile, fruitless moments. The very cracks and empty crannies of my life, my perplexities and hurts and botched-up jobs, He wants to fill with Himself, His joy, His life…He urges me to learn of Him…” Keep A Quiet Heart, by Elisabeth Elliot

Let us celebrate the Word of God that strengthens us with “life-giving” JOY!

For more reading on JOY: An Unquenchable Joy!