Waves of Joy

Growing Daily

I walk my dog by the ocean almost every evening. When Kodi gets anywhere near the water, she lights up. She knows every trail, every boardwalk, every access point to the sea. If I try to walk past one, she throws all her weight into reverse, making it clear: We’re going to the water.

The funny thing? She never swims. At most, she gets her paws wet. She just stands there and takes it all in — ears perked, completely captivated, and fully present. She loves to be near the water.

It’s a picture of the kind of desire the psalmist expressed: “I long to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God” (Psalm 84:2, emphasis added).

Kodi doesn’t have to be persuaded or bribed. She simply wants to be there. Do we approach God that way?

Our relationship with Him shouldn’t be about checking spiritual boxes or making sure we’ve done our “Christian duty.” It’s about being captivated by who He is and transformed by His presence.

Today, slow down, come close, and rediscover the joy of simply being with God.

- Ron Reid