restoring our biblical and constitutional foundations

                

Joie de Vivre

 David Alan Black

Every morning, when I go out to the pasture to feed my horses, I am treated to Sonny is a retired horse from an out of state police department. Sonny has a special need because he is allergic to hay. This is commonly known as heaves or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  The allergic reaction creates excess mucus in the lungs making very little air space. At some time prior to coming to the Sanctuary, he got into some molded hay which caused a severe allergic reaction and resulted in this disease (COPD).some pretty spectacular sights. First there are the deer that live in the woods bordering our land. They stop and stare at me before sauntering off (amazing how they know it isn’t deer season!). I am always amazed at their grace and beauty, their indescribable litheness. Then there are the horses frolicking and romping as they see me approaching. Especially Traveller, my Thoroughbred, delights in bucking and kicking in pure, unadulterated, carefree joy. The French have a wonderful expression for this; they call it joie de vivre—the joy of living.

In these days of wars and rumors of wars, how easy it is to be “cumbered with a load of cares,” despite the knowledge that our Heavenly Father is always there to care for us. It’s like working in a bakery and losing our taste for bread.

Scripture says we “have tasted of the powers of the world to come” (Hebrews 6:5). This earth has been spoiled by the ravages of sin, but there are still fragments of its original glory. We taste of the eternal world to come when are born again, when we are filled with the Spirit, and when we enjoy fellowship with God through His Word. The Christian does not rejoice over the distress of nations, but instead lifts up his head and focuses his attention on the One who will never fail to provide for his every need.

Today false prophets cry “Peace” when there is no peace. The optimists of this age proclaim a New World Order and a false security that is actually a forerunner of certain destruction. Such “good news” is bad news to the believer, not for himself, but for this sinful world that shall not escape the judgment of God. The good news is that the child of God has already escaped condemnation through Jesus Christ (Romans 8:1).

Well did Spurgeon say that a mouse might worry over whether there is enough corn in the granaries or a fish fret about whether there is enough water in the oceans before a Christian need be troubled over the sufficiency of God’s grace. Just as my horses know that their owner will feed them every morning, so Christians can be confident that their God can and will satisfy their deepest spiritual longings.

If you have never personally experienced the love of God, you are welcome to send me an email. I will be happy to share with you what it means to experience the joie de vivre that God freely gives to those weary earth-travelers who seek His face.

March 10, 2003

David Alan Black is the editor of www.daveblackonline.com.

Back to daveblackonline