With Gladness

      By Fern Horst

"Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." (Psalm 100:2-3)

Since God made us as we are, each with our own unique package of personality, appearance, heritage, opportunities, marital status, and so forth, then it is important that we submit to who He has made us to be and serve Him with gladness!

So often I compare my lot in life with others'. I realize, though, that doing so is not only a mistake, but something God tells us not to do. When Jesus told Peter what kind of death he would die, Peter pointed to John and asked, "What about him?" Jesus answered him, "What is that to you?" God also reminds us in 2 Corinthians that, "they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

The result of comparing ourselves with others is either a feeling of superiority to them, or a feeling of inferiority and discontent. More often than not it is the latter. How then can I serve the Lord with gladness in the capacity He has placed me in, when I am discontent and unhappy with what He has given me?

My father has often said to my siblings and I, "Serve the Lord with gladness." The Lord has led him to various places and in numerous roles of service, and neither he nor my mother waited until they were married to live for Him. Now in their "retirement" years, after many years of service to the Lord, he and my mother continue to serve Him in various capacities. While they have had times of discouragement, through it all I have seen that their deepest happiness comes from serving the Lord.

I have seen that in others as well, and not just in those who have married. I know various older single women who have never married, and yet are truly happy in the Lord. One in her nineties living in a nursing home recently led one of the workers to the Lord, and she spends much of her time praying and writing letters of encouragement. Obviously her work is not yet done and God is using her in the exact place He has put her to accomplish His purposes through her.

Where has God placed you? What personality has He given you? What opportunities do you have before you, and what preparations has God led you through? All of those things and others combine into a unique package of purpose that is yours, and yours alone. Don't compare it with someone else's. Rather, grasp hold of it and use it for the Lord's honor and glory. After all, He custom designed that package for precisely His purposes. Just don't forget to do it with gladness!

© 2006 Fern Horst

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