Joy found in the Living Water

Yesterday morning, after dropping my theatrical genius of a daughter to her six-hour play practice I decided to travel home a different route. The sunshine, ever so bright, an abnormal characteristic for an Upstate New York this time of year was brilliant. With its warmth on my cheek I veered to the right instead of the left to find a breath of heaven.

Snow snuggled against a fallen tree, ice around patches of grass along the banks, and remnants of winter trapped by the coolness of the water’s temperature.

“Surely God is my salvation;
   I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense;
   he has become my salvation.”
With joy you will draw water
   from the wells of salvation.” Isaiah 12:2-3

There was a time I would have missed the brilliance and beauty of this serene creek. I’m ever so thankful for my relationship with Jesus. There is more to faith than believing in God. While one’s belief in God is important, it is our relationship with Jesus that defines our faith. As a child I joined my Gram and Aunt Nancy for church on Saturday evening. The thing I looked forward to the most was dinner after church, not time in worship or prayer to my heavenly Father.

I was baptized in 2006 in the Living Water of Jesus Christ.  A few seconds under the water in baptism renewed my heart and spirit. Each day I look forward to the way God will work in my life and use me. Sometimes I might not understand the way my day transitions from the alarm going off to snuggling in for evening prayers yet I know Who is leading the way so I trust Him.

It is easier to praise God when things are going wonderful yet it important to praise Him, thank Him, worship Him, converse with Him, and pray regardless of our circumstances. I challenge you shout your praises to God regardless of the weather in your life. Just like this stream, there is always Son available in the cold of the storm.

In that day you will say:
“Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name;
   make known among the nations what he has done,
   and proclaim that his name is exalted.
Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things;
   let this be known to all the world.
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
   for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”
Isaiah 12:4 - 6