Amusement Parks
By Pastor Ben

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
                            (Proverbs 17:22)

I love Roller Coasters! Everyone has their favorites and their opinions of which one is best. But there is one, statistically speaking, (which I have not ridden) that has to reign supreme; and that is Kingda Ka at Six Flags in New Jersey. The ride launches passengers over 45 stories into the air and reaches a top speed of 128 mph. That has to be a thrill! Even if you don’t like roller coasters, amusement parks are a great destination. You’ll find bumper cars, Ferris wheels, water rides, carnival food and lots of other treats designed to bring joy & laughter to the whole family.

As God’s people were returning home to Israel after 70 years of exile in Babylon, they felt exhilaration, joy, giddiness, and every other happy emotion you can imagine. They laughed as their longed-for dreams came true. They knew the Lord had made their return possible and they were thankful. You can sense their excitement and gratitude in the words of the psalmist:

“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.”            (Psalm 126:1-3)

A dream! God had given His people so many blessings that they thought they were dreaming. No grumbling, no weeping. Joy! Laughter! It was like an amusement park vacation that never had to end!

How do you feel these days? As exuberant as God’s people returning to Jerusalem? Like a miserable schmuck stuck inside a whack-a-mole arcade game? Or like you’re riding the highs and lows of a roller coaster?
No matter what ride you’re on, your Savior promises to be with you in it all. In your joy, He rejoices with you and He hears your prayers of thanksgiving. When you’re hurting, He knows your pain and He cries with you. In times of uncertainty, (like in the middle of a global pandemic) He stands strong as your rock and fortress.

Because of Jesus, you can rejoice in the blessings of the Lord no matter what life throws at you. Sing out with all the people of God: “The Lord has done great things for us and we’re thankful!”

PRAYER STARTER:
God, You are so good to me! Teach me to see the blessings and feel the joy of Jesus in every situation . . .