“The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, the meadows clothes themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy.”
Psalm 65:12-13
I read Psalm 65 a few weeks ago and was particularly struck by the wording found in verse 12: “…the hills gird themselves with joy…”
Gird means to bind with a belt.
How exactly do the hills bind themselves with joy?
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”
Psalm 150:6
The blooming flowers, elegant deer, young calves, small saplings, twittering birds, swaying grasses… Each and every one was created by God for His own glory, so they all sing praises of joy to Him. Each aspect of nature points to the Creator of everything: God. As we spend time with the things the Lord created, we experience the joy that they are girded in.
I want to fasten that kind of joy around myself every day.
I put on an apron each morning as a sign of preparedness. I’m ready for messy hands, tidying, baking, cooking, cleaning, gardening, and so on. I’m girding myself for the work that the day will bring.
I am encouraged to gird myself with the joy of the Lord just as I prepare for homemaking by tying on an apron. I desire to wear it as a covering. I want to know that regardless of the struggles that will come, I am covered by the joy that comes from Jesus.
Just as the hills and all that are in them reflect the joy of the Lord. Just as they point to Him as the Creator of everything. Just as they endlessly sing His praises. So I desire to do.
What Does This Look Like Practically?
There are so many unique ways to go about your day with a joyful heart, so don’t think that these are the only options. These are just a few that I need to work on.
- Say a prayer of thanks as you do the dishes (even for the 5th time today).
- Remain grateful that there is food to prepare.
- Pray over each family member as you fold their clothing.
- Ask for blessings over your home as you clean it.
- Thank the Lord for the child who won’t seem to nap today.
None of these ideas are easy, and please know that I fail at them more times than not, but I encourage you to try. And when you fail…get up, strap on some more joy, pray for strength, and try again.
Whatever this day holds for you…come trials and tribulations…gird yourself with the joy that comes from knowing Christ as your Savior. Give Him praise through everything you do.
Find More Encouragement Here
- Joy in Winter
- Thriving Despite Winter Blues
- The Little Things in Life
- Quiet Spring Beauty
- God’s Call to Homemaking