JOY IN THE HOLLOW

Joy, that blissful state to keep,

is met in a winter hollow,

where tracks lead in, both wide and deep,

by the edge of the firs on landscape steep,

and where I, with wonder, follow.

Over head, the sun is perfect light

on the snowy altered tree,

and the downy bridesmaid’s hearty flight

is joined by grouse in peaceful sight,

where the woods are hushed for me.

You, Maker of my spirit’s smile

by the marriage you impart,

declare a goodness for my while.

With a skip, I’ll go another mile,

having joy within my heart.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David 

a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 

And this shall be a sign unto you: 

Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 

lying in a manger.

Luke 2:11-12

JOY IN THE HOLLOW

Down curvy back roads, we pass stands of evergreens, ponds, lowlands, and hollows. Roads like Dog Hollow Road and Frog Hollow Path paint country scenes of the great outdoors. 

And an highway shall be there, and a way,

and it shall be called The way of holiness;

the unclean shall not pass over it;

but it shall be for those:

the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast

shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there;

but the redeemed shall walk there:

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return,

and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy

upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness,

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Isaiah 35: 8-10

Only the Spirit of the Living God can satisfy the empty space in the hollow of the heart. God’s Spirit communes with the human spirit of the believer, assisting and instructing. Once wayfaring and foolish, no continuation of such persons will walk the highways in Heaven. The redeemed sing songs expressing joy from their hearts due to being made white as snow.

“I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!” 

The song rings true! He, whose love is shed aboard in our hearts, also works on our heart to produce temperance, or self-control, by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. We have no power of our own that will endure. But God sustains the faithful.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,

longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,

faith, meekness, temperance:

against such there is no law.

Galatians 5: 22-23

Self-control (temperance) is the last fruit of the Holy Spirit. To me, the nine fruits are like the three-persons-in-one Trinity—different, wonderful aspects of our loving Creator. Since nothing can be against them, they are always correct. That also means the opposites of these traits are always wrong.

Daniel in the lion’s den can teach us about self-control. I'm sure there's no surprise there! The other administrators didn't like how good Daniel was. His keen mind, wisdom, and exceptional qualities gained the king's eye, and the king wanted to make Daniel ruler over all.

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

Daniel 6:3

The scheming administrators devised a plan and Daniel ended up in the lion's den. But God sent an angel. No harm came to Daniel. The overjoyed king had the scheming men, their wives and their children thrown in and they were crushed by the lions before they reached the ground. (Read Daniel chapter 6. Amazing!)

Through it all, Daniel held firm in his faith in God and was richly rewarded. He didn't waver. Temperance paid off.

And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

Acts 24: 24-25

I don't know if Felix ever found a convenient season but I hope you have. 

The Holy Spirit lives within the heart of the believer. What does the Holy Spirit, or Counselor, do? He teaches us, reminds us, guides us, convicts us, tells the future, brings glory to Jesus and testifies about Jesus (John 14:15-John 16:16). And He gives us self-control.

Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

depising the shame,

and is set down at the right hand

of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

Likewise, I say unto you,

there is joy in the presence of the angels of God

over one sinner that repenteth.

Luke 15:10

When depression weighs heavy on the heart, remember the uplifting passage of Isaiah 35 about the joy of the redeemed. When we see corruption and grow sad by our own wanderings, remember there’s a better place to live. Heaven’s joy has been bought and paid for by Jesus Christ, the Living Word, the Son of God.

Live a life trusting God and His Word. God loves you! 

Trust there is much to gain from having self-control.