Hi! I am a daughter of Eve! Yes, Eve, the mother of us all. Like Eve, I thought I knew better than God. Like Eve, I tried it my way. Like Eve, I stepped out of line and was forced to face 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 of great worth to celebrate! She would be the instrument through whom the true “life-giver” would come. And so, like Eve’s name, I want to be an instrument of – “life-giving” intentions which 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 hardly anything of “life-giving” worth about my existence, let alone, anything to celebrate. And as an adult I long to fully comprehend “life-giving” joy in the mist of hard circumstances and to gain this “life-giving” fruit of the Spirit which will accompany me all the way to the end of my race.

The Bible is a treasure chest with invaluable insight, even in the Book of Nehemiah! Immediately on arrival at that part of the Old Testament the city of Jerusalem is in disarray. The people are mourning and weeping as they understand the ramifications of their sin. Yet, in chapter 8, Nehemiah and Ezra instructed the people not to be dejected and sad “for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (verse 10). How could they find joy and be strengthened by it under such devastating disappointment? By adhering to God’s Word with a sincere understanding of the Scripture and celebrating who they belonged to despite how they were feeling. Thus, Nehemiah and Ezra urge the people to prepare for a day of feasting and sharing with others while also offering praise and thanksgiving to the Lord (verses 10-12). Too often our focus is on the gloom and doom of life instead of all we have been promised as God’s children and sharing that with others. Instead, let us focus on the written Word of God and study to know His truth, while creating heartfelt celebrations that flood over into the lives of others around us! As the Spirit of God teaches us 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’s celebrate a Savior who strengthens us with “life-giving” JOY!

For more reading on JOY see: An Unquenchable Joy

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