No Regrets

Mandy and I would be playing in the family room when my husband would come home from work. All she had to do was catch a glimpse of him and she immediately broke out into a happy dance. She squealed with laughter and danced with excitement while turning in circles waving her hands. She jumped up and down with anticipation of spending time with her father. Her heart overflowed with joy. She was free in her spirit. When Jesus is first in our hearts bondages, vices, and brokenness does not have a hold on us anymore and we are set free. Jesus brings liberation and freedom to all those who choose Him.

John 8:34-36 (English Standard Version) 34Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

We should experience this every day!!! We have the awesome privilege of spending time with God, our Father, everyday. God sent his son Jesus down from Heaven to earth, to walk among us, to take upon our sins, to experience everything emotionally and physically, everything but sin. Jesus came as a Godman, the Son of God yet human at the same time. He experienced, joy, sadness, weeping, anger, separation, frustration, and love. After His death and resurrection, Jesus said that we will have a Comforter, the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. So now we have God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit . God abiding above and ever present, Jesus with us, and the Holy Spirit in us. How can we NOT dance with joy! God’s plan is to spend time with us. He walked with Adam and Eve. Genesis 3:8 (NIV) And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day. God was not above them miles away sending commands down at them in a deep voice that echoed through the Garden of Eden. He walked beside them and had fellowship with them everyday.

I’m talking dancing with joy every day and not just a few hours on Sunday. Nowadays people don’t even go to church on a regular basis let alone leave strife, stress and the grocery list at home. Too many people sit in the pews or chairs thinking about worries or what to do in the future, or how can I get God to bless this particular thing in my life. We forget that God is worthy just to be praised and adored. Too often we are insecure and inhibited from releasing our full praise and worship because of what others might think of us. We need not be focused on anyone else but the Lord. God reminded me one Sunday during praise and worship while my mind wandered on trivial things that Mandy is in heaven dancing and worshiping with all her heart just as I had taught her. I quickly repented of not giving God my entire heart and closed my eyes and imagined myself with all the angels and saints in heaven worshipping the Lord. This truly was an amazing encounter with my Lord.

Mandy let joy invade her entire being. After bath time Mandy enjoyed running around the bedroom without any clothes on. She laughed and squealed while she giggled running around the hallway cutting the corners like an ice hockey player can stop on a dime. She didn’t care who was looking or what anyone else thought. Mandy just experienced so much love and joy inside her heart it bubbled over. She couldn’t help herself. It was just who she was with a pure heart much like David.