On The Way . . . With the Joy of the LORD

I’m not sure I’ve ever eaten at Waffle House, but every year as we get closer to Christmas, I think maybe this is the year I’ll stop in for some breakfast. My curiosity was piqued when I began to hear stories of eating at Waffle House as a much loved Christmas tradition- either Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.

Being a breakfast lover, the stories of late night trips to a restaurant that’s always open intrigued me. Especially when I learned about the countless ways you can order another favorite of mine- hash browns.

Several years ago, I used my hash brown learnings to write a short devotional. Today I’m giving it a 2020 update and hoping it will encourage you as we close in on the end of what many people are describing as an unprecedented year. I’ll start with a simple question-

Has 2020 left you feeling like Waffle House hash browns?

Let’s consider three ways you might order:

Chopped– as simple as it sounds- chopped potatoes, nicely browned and crispy after a few tosses on a hot skillet! (ketchup preferred) Has this been a year of many different people, tasks, mandates, changes, and results that’s left you feeling fragmented and out of sorts?

Scattered– hash browns with savory but possibly strong onions! Have the demands on your time and the responsibilities of new and different schedules and work environments left you feeling like you’re going in many directions but not getting much done? You’re scattered, just like the onions in the potatoes, and wondering if the next bite will leave you with an unpleasant aftertaste!

Smothered– hash browns so covered with cheese that the potatoes can’t be seen! Have the uncertainties and chaos or quiet and loneliness left you overwhelmed and feeling quite simply like you can’t breathe?

Now my intention is not to ruin the deliciousness of the many ways to enjoy hash browns at Waffle House. As you see- they are yummy!

My purpose is to think specifically about the impact this year has had, and even if it has chopped, scattered, and smothered us, to identify how we can approach the holidays and the year’s end with real and lasting joy. Even if 2021 picks up where 2020 leaves us.

I found some help this morning in Nehemiah as I continue going back through the study I recommended last week- Fight Back with Joy by Margaret Feinberg.

The study took me to Nehemiah 8:10-

Then he said to them, “Go on your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

God reminded me through this verse that when circumstances stack up against me and leave me feeling chopped, scattered, or smothered, they don’t have to steal my joy. I can choose the joy of the LORD as my strength.

So today I’m choosing joy with a few strategies I found from Nehemiah’s instructions-

I’m going to identify the blessing in today and enjoy it;
I’m going to share what I have with someone who has a need;
I’m going to praise the holy God who has me given today;
I’m not going to feed distress;
I’m going to find my strength in the joy of the LORD!

I’m adding Nehemiah 8:10 to my PICs-

This is a word of hope as this year’s calendar comes to a close with celebrations that will most likely look and feel a little different from traditions of the past. I can be On the Way With the Joy of the LORD as my strength. I hope you’ll join me as we continue this journey through unprecedented times!