Shout and be Glad

Zechariah 2:10 (NIV)

“Shout and be glad, Daughter Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the Lord.

Billy Bray of Cornwall, England was a coal miner who lived a depraved life before his conversion in November 1832. After his remarkable salvation experience, Billy Bray was so happy — he shouted all the time. It bothered some people that he had so much joy.

One day, somebody said to him: “Billy Bray, why don’t you tone down some? You’re just too happy. You've got too much joy all the time.”

Billy replied: “I can’t help it. God saved me and I can’t help it. When I put down one foot it says hallelujah, and when I put down the other foot it says glory to God.”

Another said: “Billy, suppose you’re mistaken? Suppose when you die you find out that you’re not going to Heaven after all, you’re going to Hell.”

Old Billy said, “Praise God, I've been having a wonderful time in the Lord all through the years. Jesus has been good to me and if I die and go down to Hell, then I’ll be thankful for the joy Jesus brought me in life. I’ll shout all over Hell and they’ll have to send me up to Heaven because they can’t stand that kind of joy down there.”

Are you joyful in the Lord? Well then show it!

Dear Lord, help us shout today with joy for You. Thanks for all the things You have done for us and for the joy it brings to our life. Help us not take it for granted. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.