By Joel Hoffschneider
“But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” – John 17:13
Driving somewhere, thinking of nothing in particular, the radio plays your favorite song. Suddenly, powerless to stop, the nostalgia train soon has you singing along at top volume. As the last chords fade, a moment of melancholy washes back the present.
Ultimately, the God of our Fathers is the God of the past, present, and future. He draws us forward to make the best of what develops. Your impromptu car karaoke may have been inspired by lyrics that expressed your exact feelings the first time you heard that tune. Playing the song constantly gave clarity to your thoughts and emotions.
“Oh, sing to the Lord a new song”;(Shir Chadash) These Hebrew words involve, through the Holy Spirit, leading the pondering and meditation on God’s Word. The result is finally delivered by your unique creation voice in a new song. What is clear from this passage is that Christ’s Joy was not created in relation to any earthly event or environment but a heavenly one.
Turning on the car radio meant believing that a signal was out there trying to reach you. Upon initially receiving static, it was automatic to move the dial for fine tuning. This exhilaration is a never changing, deeply personal gift created by our God, secured by Jesus’ work on the cross and delivered by the Holy Spirit. By tuning in with thoughtful prayer and contemplation of God’s word, you can indeed sing your; Shir Chadash to the Lord.
Brenda Jank and the Run Hard. Rest Well team. are thought leaders in the arena of Restorative Wellness. Find additional resources at www.RunHardRestWell.org. Contact us at: brenda@runhardrestwell.org