Laughing Together All Day Long

In a recent message from Heidi Miller, here's what she had to say about our second construction team...

Team 2 has arrived safely and they are terrific! These guys act like they've known each other for years and they laugh together all day long! They are so well prepared and are making great progress on the pastor's house. They get up super early, cook breakfast for themselves and have been getting to the jobsite by 6:30. They have a good portion of the interior walls up already and are starting on the plumbing and wiring today. Pastor Augustine and his wife are getting very excited.

I love the part that says they “laugh together all day long”. You know, joy is an attitude (not an emotion). We must choose to delight in the Lord and His blessings. Joy is also the result of obedience. When we are abiding in God, fulfilling His will for our lives, spending time in His word and going to Him in prayer, our hearts cannot help but overflow with joy.

Psalms 97: 11 – “Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright heart”
Psalms 119:11 – “Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart”
Isaiah 65:11 – “My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts”
Acts 2:28 – “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence”
I Thessalonians 5:16 – “Be joyful always”
Hebrews 1:9 – “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy”

Even though our team is in a country ravaged by HIV/AIDS and poverty; where people are dying daily; where thousands of children are being orphaned; where spiritual warfare is a daily battle; where hope is in short supply – our team is 'laughing together all day long' for their hearts are erupting with joy. They know that no matter what, they belong to Christ who loves them and gave himself up for them. The Holy Spirit is cultivating joy in their hearts as they draw their strength from God! How awesome is that!!

May you too know that "the joy of the Lord is your strength" - Nehemiah 8:10