JOYFUL RESPONSES
READ: Deuteronomy 28:45-48
Because thou servedst not the lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;- Deuteronomy 28:47
People say, “Thank you” by not being happy. Not being happy, not being joyful and not being glad are things that God takes note of. When you give something to someone, you look at his face to see his reaction. Are they happy? Are they excited? Are they genuinely joyful? Are they impressed? Were they easily impressed?
All these thoughts go through the giver’s mind. As you know, some people are more reflective and perspicacious and they will notice little flickers in your attitude towards your gift.
God is equally looking at your responses to His goodness. Since you did not feel so happy about serving Him with joy, He is going to transfer you so that you serve the enemy in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness and in the want of all things. Curses pursue and overtake you until you are destroyed because you did not serve the Lord with joyfulness and with gladness.
Your attitude matters! Do not think that it is just your words that matter. God is equally interested in your attitude. Don’t be flat! Don’t be unsmiling! Don’t be plain-faced! We need to see that you are excited and joyful. God needs to see that you are excited and joyful. He is watching your face very closely. That faint smile on your face is not good enough. God wants to see your teeth and wants to feel that you are excited about what He has done for you. God wants to see you jumping happily and excitedly.