In Zion, Filled With Joy and Gladness
I spoke with a member who devotes herself to the gospel while working. She said that although work can be tiring, Fridays fill her with energy and excitement as she thinks, “I wish tomorrow would come soon.” But during the Sabbath evening worship, she feels a sense of sadness as the day draws to a close, thinking, “I wish this happiness could continue.”
She said that on the Sabbath, her heart, weary from life in the world, finds comfort in God’s love, and she spends joyful and happy hours with the members in Zion. Hearing her heartfelt wish that such a happy Sabbath could last forever brought a verse from the Bible to mind.
“The LORD will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.” Isa 51:3
God said that Zion is a place filled with joy, gladness, and thanksgiving. I reflected on whether I had been going to Zion and keeping the Sabbath merely out of habit, without any sense of excitement, and whether I had taken God’s love for granted instead of giving thanks.
The wonder and gratitude I felt when I first learned the truth of the Sabbath—my eyes widening as I searched the Bible again and again.
The excitement I felt in the early days of my faith—my heart racing as I prepared my finest clothes for the blessed festivals ahead.
I will regain that first love and live with joy and gladness in Zion, looking forward to the kingdom of heaven, where I will be with Father and Mother forever.
