He has made me glad, He has made me glad, I will rejoice because He has made me gla-a-ad!
He has made me glad, He has made me glad, I will rejoice because He has made me glad!
Remember that song? An oldie but goody. I was reminded of that song the other day and I can’t get it out of my head, no, no, no. I read a devotion where the phrase “Cheerful Holiness” was mentioned. Once I understand the meaning, I love it too and I probably won’t be able to get it out of my head. At least I hope not. Think about it for a speck, Cheerful Holiness. What is Cheerful Holiness?
It is the expected attitude of one that has been saved from something, the result of someone who has been redeemed. Oh, my. Do we have that attitude? Do I have that attitude? I pause to think. Let’s check it out. What does cheer mean? It means glad, joy, delight, encouragement, hope.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
So now, what is holiness? Holy means to be separated from sin and set apart for God.
Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.
John 17:17-19
He redeemed our lives with His life, so that we can be set apart for God. His sacrifice ensures our eternity. Not our here and now, but our now and then. Does that not stir up even the slightest bit of cheer?
For by one offering he has perfected for all time those who are made holy.
Hebrews 10:14
We are cleansed by the Blood of the Lamb and our sins are forgiven, our lives are not perfect, it doesn’t mean we will not have troubles but, it does mean that we are holy. We are made holy because of Jesus.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Since we are a holy people, should we not live like holy people? Since we are redeemed, should we not live like redeemed people? Since we are forgiven, should we not live like forgiven people? I don’t know about you guys, but I’m a sinner through and through, as Paul said, I’m the worst of the worst. So, the fact that Jesus saved me brings me exceeding great joy.
I then have to ask myself. Does my life reflect Cheerful Holiness or Gloomy Holiness? Which one? Ouch! If we are to be witnesses to the world, shouldn’t we live lives of Cheerful Holiness? Are we showing the world what it looks like to be separated from sin, to be in the world but not of the world? Do people see a difference? Do people want what we have?
Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Oh, give me back my joy again;
you have broken me—
now let me rejoice.
Don’t keep looking at my sins.
Remove the stain of my guilt.
Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Renew a loyal spirit within me.
Do not banish me from your presence,
and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and make me willing to obey you.
Then I will teach your ways to rebels,
and they will return to you.
Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves;
then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness.
Unseal my lips, O Lord,
that my mouth may praise you.
Psalm 51:7-14
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation – Cheerful Holiness! And renew a right spirit within me – Cheerful Holiness! Are we joyfully singing of our forgiveness? Are we practicing Cheerful Holiness?