“…for the Lord had made then joyful…” Ezra 6:22
The American Indians called it a vision quest. The idea of a personal journey into the wilderness to find spiritual purpose, rhythm, and eventually harmony in one’s life, resulting in a life of peace and joy. The Australian Aborigines called it going walkabout. A period where young men from 10-16 spend as much as 6 months alone in the wilderness searching for spiritual enlightenment and balance which would then grant peace and joy throughout that life. Even today people all over the world take intentional retreats, respites and sabbaticals into distant empty places in search of what can grant them what their heart is truly seeking…unbridled joy through perfect purpose. But unfortunately, these journeys of the heart are not in search of a place, thing, or feeling, but the presence of Almighty God…the only presence that can fill the void of the human heart. In Ezra chapter 6 we see yet again the continued efforts to stop the rebuilding of the temple of God in Jerusalem. The Jews have returned from exile in Babylon and since their return they have experienced nothing but fierce resistance to their willingness to serve and worship God. But God is bigger than any man-made obstacle and He makes a way. He deters a royal injunction and allows the building to proceed. And as the people observe the Passover festival at the new temple, we hear that as a result of their obedience, tenacity, and perseverance in His will…the Lord made them joyful. Not a temporary joy. Not a joy that can be stolen. Not a feeling of momentary happiness or situational contentment, but abundant joy from Almighty God that flows directly into the heart of His follower. There is no other feeling in the world like experiencing the joy of the Lord resonate deep within your heart as you walk in obedience to His commands, His will for your life, and the path in which He has laid for you. Are you on walkabout today? Are you on a vision quest? Is the hole in your heart crying out to be filled? You can try to fill it with the things of this world, but they will not create Godly joy. You can fill your heart with money and the stuff it can buy, but there is never enough of either to truly satisfy. You can try filling it with sex or pornography but everyday resets to a new start, demanding more. You can fill your heart with alcohol or drugs but the sensation you’re chasing will never abate. You can even try filling that hole with other gods, worldly religion, empty mediation, or a new age mindset, but joy will not be the reward of any of them. If you are looking for true peace, harmony, freedom, and joy today, look no farther than Jesus Christ…your journey is over. The only Son of God came to this planet to save you from the depths of your sins. Admit that your seeking is fruitless and not bringing you the joy that your heart tells you is possible. That your lifelong vision quest has not revealed what your heart is yearning for. Admit your sins to Jesus and ask Him to come into your heart and abide there. Ask Jesus to fill that perfectly shaped heart-hole that only He can fill. He is faithful to save all that call upon His name. And as you do ask Jesus to redeem you, you will find the pure joy that your heart has been seeking. A joy that can only come from the Lord Jesus Christ.
“But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!” Psalm 40:16
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