Where Do Babies Come From?

Small children have the capability to put fear into the hearts of even the strongest of fathers with five simple words, “Where do babies come from?” With sweat dripping off men’s forehead and their hands wringing in extreme anxiety, they respond with the only logical answer, “Go ask your mother.”

So many questions deal with origins of some kind. It may be how the world was made. It could be an individual’s family tree. For this month’s prayer and fast, it refers to the origin of joy. “Where does joy come from?”

This may sound like a simple question but it has spawned ministries, books, podcasts, not to mention a $17 billion anti-depressant industry, so it is important for us to investigate. Joy is big business. In watching a couple of Ted Talks on the subject, I closed my computer in grief and sorrow. I heard such things as “Choose joy!” or “Your mind is the source of your joy.” Why would this cause grief? It suggests that joy comes from ourselves, that we are the first cause.

If people truly believe in evolution, there is no reason to have joy. Why? Life is purposeless. Everything is a result of random chance with no logic or design. This means anything that suggests we can rise above the human condition—e.g. choose joy or look within—is nothing more than a shallow social construct, which is built to make us somehow feel better but is based on nothing more than smoke, mirrors, and fantasy.

The only way we can truly have joy is to know that a loving God created the universe with purpose, plan, and design. There are no accidents and nothing is based on random chance. Everything was ordained by His will and for His glory. Because He is outside and above the human experience, our basis for joy does not come from within but from Him. The scriptures describe His as a loving Father who wants to give good gifts to His children (Matt. 7:11).

Consider

• You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.—Psalms 4:7
• May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.—Romans 15:13

It is clear that joy comes from God and not in our circumstances (e.g. grain and wine). God is the one who fills us with joy through the power of the Holy Spirit.

As we spend time in prayer and fasting this month, I pray the eyes of our understanding will be enlightened to this reality. Too many Christians think like the world thinks and then become frustrated when they get the world’s results. We must think like a Christian and remember that joy comes from God!

Please join us on the second Tuesday of the month—or on another day that works best for you—and pray for these as a family as you have opportunity throughout the month. Please know that many within the body of Christ and within homeschooling are struggling. I pray they (we) receive a new impartation of grace this month!

1. Pray that homeschooling parents will come to truly understand that an atmosphere of joy is as important their choice of curriculum.

• A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. –Proverbs 17:22
• For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.–Romans 14:17

2. Pray for parents to not walk in condemnation as Christians or as homeschoolers and pray they will look to Christ for affirmation.

• Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.–Psalms 51:12
• And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.–1 John 1:4
• Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,–Eph. 1:3

3. Pray that homeschooling parents will feel a burden to be in God’s presence and that His fragrance of joy would remain upon them so their children could see it manifest in their daily lives.

• For you make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence.–Psalms 21:6
• You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.–Psalms 16:11
• to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.–Is. 61:3

4. Pray that homeschooling parents and their young adult children will be able to go past the lies the devil whispers to them in order to try and steal their joy.

• The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. –John 10:10
• So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.–John 16:22

5. Pray that we realize how seriously God takes the character trait of joy in our lives.

• Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart, because of the abundance of all things,–Deut. 28:47
• Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.–John 16:24

6. Pray that the older we get the more our joy will abound.

• Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.–Proverbs 31:25
• Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice.–Ecc. 4:13

7. Pray that there will be a renewed sense that God is for us in our homeschooling journey and that joy will accompany this reality.

• For behold, I am for you, and I will turn to you, and you shall be tilled and sown.–Ezekiel 36:9
• Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”–Deut. 31:6

8. Pray that we will find joy in daily repentance as we are continually being molded into the image of Christ.

• Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”–Luke 15:10

9. Pray that we will bring God joy in our attitude, actions, and words.

• Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!–Psalms 95:1
• I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.–3 John 1:4

Finally, please pray for the ICHE Conference from May 30 – June 2.