Field guide · Weather
Us with Godand Joy
Forecast: bright and clear, with scattered outbreaks of dancing in the kitchen.
Four tired ways to walk
Each has some truth in it. None of them is the whole story.
Under GodSheep that hide from the Shepherd
I shouldn’t enjoy this too much, or God might take it away.
Over GodSheep that know the way
Good things happen when you plan well and work hard, so I earned this one.
From GodSheep that follow the grass
Finally, God came through, and now I need the next good thing.
For GodSheep trying to be the sheepdog
There’s no time to celebrate; this win just means more work to do for God.
He rejoices with you, and joy is meant to be shared with him.
God is no grim referee waiting for us to stop smiling. He “will rejoice over you with singing” (Zeph 3:17). Jesus did his first sign at a wedding, keeping the party going with the best wine of the night (John 2:1–11). So bring him the good news, the promotion, the birthday, the goal in the last minute. He was hoping you would. Joy shared with him grows deeper, and it becomes strength for harder days (Neh 8:10).
Where the Shepherd isHe is the one carrying the found sheep home on his shoulders and calling the neighbors over. “Rejoice with me” (Luke 15:6).
The next time something good happens, tell God first, out loud, before you tell anyone else.
Jesus, will you celebrate this with me?
Fellow travelers
People in Scripture who walked this ground before us.
- Elizabeth felt her baby leap for joy when Mary walked in, and the two of them celebrated together (Luke 1:39–45).
- David danced before the Lord with all his might as the ark came home (2 Sam 6:14–15).
Keep walking
- With God: Sheep that know his voicethe posture every entry points to
- Which Way Are You Walking?a short self-check
- The Field Guideevery entry, by terrain, weather and crossing