Rocky offers a wonderful experience for ladies called Praise in Motion. We focus on a specific message from God’s Word and then we move to music that points us to God. Our instructors are gifted ladies who help each person in the room to move a little bit more, both physically and spiritually. Tuesday evenings are very precious to me.

Several weeks ago, our Praise in Motion team asked if I would share with the group during focus time. I was so honored and blessed. So today I thought I would share with you what I shared with the ladies on that evening. Maybe it will encourage you to move a little bit more, both physically and spiritually.

My life verse:

“This is the good life—my heart is glad, my soul is full of joy and my body is at rest. Who could want for more? You will not abandon me to experience death and the grave or leave me to rot alone. Instead, You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life. As I walk with you, the pleasures are never-ending and I know true joy and contentment.” (Psalm 16:9-11 – The Voice)

To be honest, there isn’t much to add to these verses, but I want to break them down so that as we move through our worship and praise this evening, these are the items you should think about, ask for God’s direction and at the end of the evening, I pray that you are able to say these words with me.

This is the good life—who could want for more?

There may be not-so-good things happening in your life. We live in a fallen world and the enemy is hard at work to keep you from thinking that life is good. But please don’t believe what Satan has to say. He is a liar and a deceiver and he has no business telling you that what you have isn’t a good life. Why is it a good life? Because of Jesus. In Jesus we have abundant life. That is what we need to believe.

Because this is the good life, we can make these three statements:

My Heart is Glad

Think about these questions with me. What makes you glad? What puts a smile on your face? What causes your heart to skip a beat? Perhaps it’s the laughter of a young child. Maybe it’s being caught in a rainstorm or seeing the beauty of a sunrise or sunset. Or could being in the presence of a good friend make you glad…and that good friend could be your heavenly Father!

I pray that you can say what the psalmist said in Psalm 92:4, “For you, O Lord, make me glad…” First and foremost, we must find our “gladness” in the Lord. All these other things add to our good life.

My Soul is Full of Joy

Joy. It’s one of my favorite words. Joy is a name in my household. It’s my middle name, my daughter’s middle name and her daughter’s first name. When Joy was born, I started collecting anything that had “joy” written on it. I have plaques, pictures, artwork, candles, figurines…well, you get the idea. Every room in my house has some form of the word joy in it. Joy is evident, it is visible, joy is prominent in my home.

But what about in my heart? I’ve come to a better understanding of what joy is all about. It has nothing to do with the physical circumstances in my life and everything to do with my spiritual well-being. Regardless of what may be going on around me, I am filled with joy because of Jesus who is the joy-giver, the abundant life-giver.

Nehemiah understood the power of joy. He reminded Israel that “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) If you are having some difficulty in this area, maybe this is a good reminder for you as well. Don’t allow your joy to be stolen by the enemy or the junk going on in this world. Allow God’s joy to give you the strength you need to face tomorrow.

My Body is at Rest

Once we stand up, we won’t be at rest. But there is not a better sleep aid you could possibly purchase from the pharmacy than this hour and a half. God created our bodies to toil and rest. It’s a cycle. And when the rhythm of this cycle is in sync, our bodies will be able to rest well.

Of course there are other things that might keep us from resting. Guilt, shame, sin, harsh words directed toward us or that passed through our own lips, grief, despair, brokenness and this list could go on and on. If anything is keeping you from rest tonight, maybe it’s time to seek the Great Physician and Healer of your soul. Remember, Jesus came to offer you abundant life.

There is more. Through all of this, we are not alone. This verse specifically says, “As I walk with you.” God is with you. He is with you on the mountain tops as well as the valleys. God is walking along with you. God is providing exactly what you need when you need it. Do not doubt for a moment that He isn’t.

Tonight as we begin the motion portion of our evening, think on these things:

• What makes you glad?
• What brings you joy?
• When are you at rest?

And remember:

• God is directing your path.
• God is leading you to a beautiful life.
• God provides never-ending pleasures.
• God is the provider of true joy and contentment.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna