The beat beat beat of the drums grows louder and louder. Round the corner marches the drum line. The Fourth of July parade has begun.
My mind flashes back to long ago July 4th parades. Proudly wearing my Girl Scout uniform, I march down the street. Along with the Girl Scouts come the Boy Scouts, the high school band, the volunteer fire department and various other community organizations. We march down familiar streets. Neighbors and friends decked out in red, white and blue stand on sidewalks cheering and waving flags. Such joy and excitement to begin the holiday!
Today’s parade, however, looks a little different. Yes, a high school drum line leads the parade. But if you look closely, the other marchers appear to be a tad bit older. Some march proudly on their own. Some are pushed in wheelchairs. Some ride electric scooters. Some are joined by service dogs. This parade is made up of members of a retirement community. Along the sidewalk stand fellow residents waving and cheering. Such joy and excitement to begin the Fourth of July holiday!
The two parades are similar but not the same. A few more wrinkles adorn the faces in the second parade. The steps are a little slower, but the smiles on the faces are just as radiant. The joy is just as real. Aren’t you glad that joy is not only for the young? Joyful moments are gifts from God scattered throughout all seasons of life.
Does God want us to have joyful lives? The fact that the word Joy is mentioned 244 times in the Bible tells me the answer is yes.
One of my favorite verses is Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Every day that we wake up is the day the Lord has made. And with each day He gives us opportunities to rejoice, opportunities to be glad.
Another favorite verse is Psalm 16:11 “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore”. As Christians, we have the privilege of coming into God‘s presence as we open His word and as we pray. He wants to meet us, and He wants to give us fullness of joy. He walks with us throughout the day. Ask Him to remind you of His presence. Ask Him to open your eyes to sources of joy as you walk through the day.
Let us rejoice and be glad on this Fourth of July. Let us rejoice and be glad on every day the Lord has made.
