Reflections = Joy in the Journey Take 4
Back in the eighties, there was a song I loved to listen to by Michael Kelly Blanchard called Be Ye Glad. I loved the song and the rendition by the acappella group -GLAD! I played the CD all the time. Both the music and the song’s meaning really did make me glad. I actually wore out the CD.
I don’t have permission to reprint the lyrics, but I am giving the composer credit. It’s available on the computer and worth listening to!
The verses start by expressing the sad shape of the world and telling of God’s redemption of man.
Oh, be ye glad …
Every debt that you ever had has been paid up in full by the grace of the Lord
Be ye glad, be ye glad, be ye glad …
So be like lights on the rim of the water, giving hope in a storm sea of night
Be a refuge amidst the slaughter of these fugitives in their flight. …
There is no disease or no struggle that can pull you from God, be ye glad!
The powerful words spoke to my soul every time I played it.
As I swim here in the little, heated indoor pool at the clubhouse (250 steps from my front door), the ceiling has numerous skylights and big windows. I am really enjoying the brightness of the pool area, especially on sunny days. The light shines down on the water which reflects back onto the ceiling in mesmerizing waves. I tried to post the video – still can’t figure how to do it.
I have to agree with the sign that sits on the towel rack there. Definitely a joyful experience for me.
At night from our living room and bedroom, we look out on the lake. The security lights which line the road across from us casts light across the lake. See the earlier blog called Sea and Sky.
Between the two images, I am constantly reminded of this song.
I need light – lots of light! For my eyesight and my spirit!
So of course, I have a spiritual application. I am still thinking about these verses, but I’ll just share them and one of my prayers for my life. I pray God’s light and the love of Jesus will shine through me to bring peace and joy and I consistently reflect His truth.
John 8:12 NLT ‘Jesus said to the people, ‘I am the Light of the world. So if you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path.’
Psalm 27:1 – ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?’
Matthew 5:14-16 MSG ‘Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you Light -bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you on a hilltop, on a nightstand – shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.’ Or as the NKJV says, ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.’
Lastly this thought – Proverbs 4:18 TLB – ‘But the good man walks along in ever-brightening light of God’s favor; the dawn gives way to morning splendor.’ My joy should ultimately be based in my relationship with God. Everything else is just ….
Blessings
Kara Beth
