Tag Archives: Trust in God

Be Still and Know!

Be Still !

Be still!

 Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations,

 I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:10, NKJV)

This is the closing instruction the Psalmist gives in the 46th division of Israel’s song book.  It was to be remembered and recited as they worshipped Jehovah in the Temple.  Perhaps it was read during times when the nation was threatened by foreign nations.  It could even be cited as kings prepared to bring a somber message or bad news to their subjects.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.  Though the waters be therefore roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.  Selah

With the latest mass shooting in Kansas City after the Chief’s Super Bowl parade, we ask ourselves the question, “Lord, when will the madness stop?”  It seems as if evil is on every hand—locally, nationally, and without a doubt internationally.  We may even ask, “is God in control?”

The Answer

Psalm 46 answers those questions in its final verses.  Yes, God is still in control.  And in response to the problems we face, we are to “be still and know” who God is and His ability to address the issue at hand.  To know (yada) means: (1) to know by observing and reflecting, and (2) to know by experiencing.  It is to have an intimate knowledge of Him.

As we reflect on our lives, where have we seen God at work?  When has God come to our rescue or given us the strength to endure trying times?  Have there been situations where we realized that God had gone before us to make a way out of no way (Psa. 50:15)?  God is awesome and available and much, much, more.

A Mighty Refuge

As I process the trauma of the senseless shooting, this time, in “my city”, I recall the words from the powerful hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”, which is said to be a paraphrase of Psalm 46.

A mighty Fortress is our God

A Bulwark never failing

Our Helper He amid the flood

Of mortal ills prevailing

The concept of fortress appears numerous times throughout the Bible, often carrying deep symbolic meaning beyond just a stronghold or place of defense (Psa. 18:2; 62:6-8).  Fortress is most often used metaphorically to represent God as a source of refuge, protection, and salvation for His people.  These verses portray God as an unshakable fortress or tower that provides safety and security for those who trust in Him.

This thought continues with the Psalmist’s use of the word, bulwark.  A bulwark is a wall meant to provide protection.  “Mortal ills” are human sins we must deal with while operating in our “human flesh”.  These often result in negative outcomes in our personal life and in society.

Words to Remember

Jesus in His final moments with His Disciples presented a “sobering expectation” of their future: “In this life you will have tribulations.”  That message is still true for us in the 21st century.  But Jesus adds the “blessed reality and result” of our relationship with Him.  “Be of good cheer (take courage), I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

In other words, Jesus’ victory over death and sin by way of the Cross, would be the same victory we would experience as we encountered life’s trials—individually or collectively.  Victory includes our ability to persevere and to succeed regardless of the circumstances we may experience (Eph. 1: 18-19).

As we navigate tragedies and misfortunes, we must remember that we live in a fallen world.  And while we have been delivered from the penalty and power of sin, we must still expect and deal with the consequences of its presence.  Our knowledge of God assures us that His presence will go with us (Deut. 31:8), His power will protect us (2 Thess. 3:3), and His peace will sustain us (John 14:26-27). Therefore, we can be still (relax).

The Knowledge of God: Grow in the Knowledge of God, Part 1

 

Grow in the Knowledge of God, Part 1

Knowledge of God Recapped

To know or knowledge (yada) in the Old Testament means to: (1) know by observing and reflecting (thinking) and (2) to know by experiencing and being acquainted with.  Yada represents both the intellectual and experiential side of knowing.

In the New Testament this same thought is continued with the Greek words, ginosko and oida, which recognizes an increase in knowing or knowledge.  The word epiginosko (epi, “upon”) expands knowing to full knowledge through a special participation and uniting with the object (Col. 1:6).  This is the experiential side of knowledge.

Knowledge of God accomplishes three things in our life as believers: (1) it establishes the moral authority and inspiration in our life, (2) it results in purposeful living, and (3) it enlightens us as to what God has given to us.

Knowing God and knowledge of God are both part of the same coin.  Our knowledge of God paves the way to knowing God AND knowing God creates a desire to increase our knowledge of Him. 

Peter’s blessing

In Peter’s second letter to God’s elect, he expressed concern about false teachers in their cities.  He opened with a special blessing that would offer both favor and protection against the error being communicated at that time.  Peter prayed that grace and peace would increase abundantly to meet the challenges they faced.  How?  By continuing to grow in the knowledge of God AND Jesus their Lord (2 Pet. 1:2, NKJV).

Like the elect receiving Peter’s letter, we too are surrounded by false teachers.  I use this term more generally to describe those who perpetrate disinformation and misinformation.  Their sole purpose is to create false narratives, perpetuate divisiveness, and seed dissension for gain.  Social media continues to invade our thoughts resulting in unhealthy influences, high anxiety, and fear.  AI with its many benefits also brings new threats of abuse and misuse.

Peter contends that through knowledge of God, we have everything we need for living godly and prosperous lives.  This knowledge is made available to us through God’s Word (Psa. 19:7-9) and through His Holy Spirit.  In addition to God’s “exceeding and great promises”, we are also partakers of His “divine nature” (2 Pet. 1:3-4).

Even in the direst of circumstances, we must remember and declare that we have the victory through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior (Rom. 8:35,37; John 16:33).  Our knowledge of God is the filter through which we respond to 21st century challenges and live triumphantly even in a fallen world (2 Cor. 4:14-18).  Next week we will detail how we can grow in our knowledge of God.

Closing Reflection

Truth time.  Do we want to come to a knowledge of God?  Do we want to increase our knowledge of Him?  Or are we satisfied with what we know today?

A.W. Tozer in his book, “The Dangers of a Shallow Faith,” shares his observation of the modern Church in their search for things of “this world” rather than knowing God.  After reading this short excerpt, let’s ask ourselves, “what are we seeking as a substitute for the knowledge of God?”

The Early Church was in wonderment at Christ. He dazzled them and stirred within such feelings of amazement that they could never get over Christ. All they talked about was Christ. All they thought about, from morning to night, was Christ. Christ was their only reason for living, and they were more than willing to die for Him. Now we looked to celebrity to dazzle us. For some reason we assume that carnal entertainment is the appropriate replacement for the sanctified adoration of the Most High. No cheap thrill can ever replace the ecstatic joy of knowing Jesus Christ.

 

Preparing for 2024: God Goes Before Us

Year-end 2022 Throwback Wednesday Wednesda

New Year anxieties

In choosing our year-end WordBytes, it was amazing how quickly the teaching for today came to my attention.

This WordBytes was written in 2019, as we entered the world of COVID.  At that time, we had no idea that our lives would be forever changed.  The world as we knew would never be the same.

This WordBytes was also written to address the anxiety we typically experience as we begin planning for the new year.

Are we ready for 2024?

In our text today, Moses is preparing the Israelites for the changes that lie ahead  as they prepare to enter the Promise Land with 2+million people.  Just imagine the heightened anxiety and fear of the people.  But Moses shares with them a promise they could “hang their hat on”.  God will go before them!

It’s been said, “Hindsight is 20/20.”  As we look back over the past year with new COVID variants, political division, wars around the world, and more,  we might ask this question, “Is God still going  before us?”

Assess where we are.

Take a moment and think about how God has intervened on your behalf during this past year.  It’s true that we have experienced many hardships this year. However, regardless of them, we are now planning for a “new year”.

Do you want to know why?  Because God still (even in the 21st century) goes before us.  Whatever circumstance we may face in 2024, know that God is more than able to sustain you through it.  I pray that today’s WordBytes will increase your confidence and trust in the Lord.  Have a blessed and happy new year.

 

God Goes Before Us

Advent Revisited: God, Time, and Waiting

 

God, Time, and Waiting

A Time of Waiting

Advent season is a time of waiting.  Waiting by its very definition is challenging.  It is defined as the action of staying where one is or delaying action until a particular time or until something else happens.

How well we wait lies not only in what we are waiting for but also who we trust to provide our desired outcome.   That trust is based on the provider’s ability to deliver the outcome.  That’s why as believers, it is important to remember that Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith is worth waiting for.

Godly Waiting

Waiting is a spiritual discipline.  “Godly” waiting is a spiritual discipline that we must cultivate.  As with any discipline, practice makes “progress” (perfection is not always the goal).  Advent is a time in which we should make every effort to expand our capacity to wait.  That increased capacity will strengthen us for the days ahead.

While waiting, we exercise our patience “muscles” and bolster our endurance until we receive what we are waiting for (Heb.10:36).  In our waiting, faith is activated and strengthened.  It is in the waiting that our hope becomes an expectation.  While waiting, our belief and trust become rooted and grounded in the Lord (Ps. 27:13-14).

As we continue our journey through “Advent past”, we will look at waiting from a different perspective:  God’s perspective.

“GOD, TIME, AND WAITING”

God’s Large Place

God's Large Place

 

Good morning to you!

Have you ever awakened in the morning and instantly felt overwhelmed by the day?  I mean, have you been totally immobilized so that you’re unable to get out of bed?

We can be sure that it is Satan’s effort to get us off God’s plan and purpose for our lives.  Of course, our flesh also plays a part in this conspiracy.  It is in the morning that the battle for our mind and our spirit begins.

This is the time to connect with the Holy Spirit and the truth found in God’s Word.  This is the moment we can declare, “This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psa. 118:24).

This is the day…

Each day begins with our perception of what lies ahead for us.  Our calendar and day timer contains our commitments.  Our mental and physical state impacts how we receive each new day.  We are mentally challenged with fears, anxiety, depression, attention deficit, even our negative talk.  We may physically “not feel good”.  Seasonal ailments, chronic pain and disease make “jumping out of bed” a real chore.  Getting up in the morning is a complex endeavor.

Read, “Monday Morning Cup” , with Lisa Boone-Reddick

But mornings are simply “a period of time which occurs between sunrise and noon”.  The bigger issue is our ability to manage the stresses, complexities, and demands that arise during our days (and nights).  The challenge is knowing how to successfully navigate the realities of living during these tumultuous and demanding times.

What would happen if we changed our perception of how we operate each day?  How much better would our lives be if we acknowledged the real source of release and contentment?  King David gives us the answer in Psalm 118.

The view from the other side

Psalm 118 is an excellent source of encouragement when we are perplexed with the struggles we face in our lives.  King David probably penned this psalm after he had weathered the battles and challenges to gain full possession of the kingdom to which he had been anointed (1 Sam. 16:13).

In Psalm 118, David acknowledges the struggles but more importantly he witnesses to the presence and favor of God in the midst of those struggles.  David begins and ends this psalm (vv. 1, 29) with praise and recognition of how Israel had made it through its most challenging days.  David’s psalm was a call for all to remember God’s presence, God’s protection, and God’s provision.  It was a time to give thanks for God’s goodness and His mercy.

Oh, give thanks unto the Lord,

for He is good, and

His mercy (lovingkindness) endures forever.

God granted David gracious favor in his distress.  Matthew Henry describes this favor as “vouchsafe”.

God heard his prayer (v. 5): “He answered me with enlargements; he did more for me than I was able to ask; he enlarged my heart in prayer and yet gave more largely than I desired.” He answered me, and set me in a large place, where I had room to bestir myself, room to enjoy myself, and room to thrive; and the large place was the more comfortable because he was brought to it out of distress (Ps. 4:1). [1]

Getting to God’s large place

David’s view “from the other side” (of his rise to power) was the result of his personal relationship and experience with God.  David remembered God’s faithfulness.  He trusted God (vv. 8-9).  This strengthened his belief that God would always be there (vv. 6-7; 17-18). David’s experience of God’s large place would prepare him for what lay ahead as he ruled the great nation of Israel.

We too can enter God’s large place through prayer and receiving His engrafted Word (James 1:21).  We are invited to be intentional in recognizing and accepting God’s providence in our lives.  Whether good or bad, morning or evening, God is always present to see us safely to the other side.  God’s large place can be a place of victory, growth, and freedom.  Let us declare, like David:  Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy endures forever.

[1] Matthew Henry Commentary, Psalm 118.

Keep Hope Alive: Hope that Won’t Disappoint

Hope that Doesn't Disappoint

Experiencing real hope

Last week we concluded our teaching, with the secret to experiencing “real hope” in our lives.  

It is important that we are intentional in claiming what Christ has already obtained for us through His sacrificial death and powerful resurrection.  We know that as believers in Christ we live continually in the presence of God who is the great I AM.  It is God who provides us with what we need for the challenges we face (Isa. 43:2). 

We recognize and acknowledge that God alone is the true source of our hope and salvation (Psa. 62:5-12).

Hope that is true

Ultimately, the question of what the world should places hope on is a complex one. There is no easy answer, and different people will have different beliefs.

We hope that technological advances will solve many of our problems, such as climate change, disease, and poverty. We also place our hope on human ingenuity, believing that humans have the ability to solve any problem they set their minds to. Those with gentler dispositions hold on to the hope that the world’s problems will be solved through love and compassion.

How does God’s hope compare with that which this world offers?  Is God’s offer of hope better?

The cluster of attributes (of God) which we classify as “integrity” relates to the matter of truth.  There are three dimensions of God’s truthfulness: (1) genuineness—being true—”He is what He appears to be” (Isa. 45:5-6); (2) veracity—telling the truth (1 John 5:20) — “He tells the truth” (John 17:17, 19); and (3) faithfulness— “He proves true” (Num. 23:19).[1]    

As believers, our hope rests fully on the integrity of God—His genuineness, His veracity, and His faithfulness.

Hope that does not disappoint

Through Jesus sacrificial gift of life, we have a hope that “does not” and “will not” disappoint.

Therefore, having been justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.  (Rom. 5:1-5)  

The Holy Spirit reassures us of God’s love.  This provides us with a steadfast foundation for hope. This love is unconditional and everlasting, providing security and assurance even in the face of trials and tribulations. (Heb. 6:17-19)

Hope kept alive

How do we keep hope alive?  Not by might, nor by power, nor by strength (Zech. 4:6).  Not by the wisdom of man nor the understanding of scholars (1 Cor. 1:27-29).  These offerings of hope are temporary and subject to change—change brought about by the reality of time and the ultimate demise of life as we know it (2 Cor. 4:18).

But we keep hope alive through the Spirit of wisdom and revelation of the knowledge of God (Eph. 1:17).   Armed with this we have access not only to life on this side of heaven but also throughout eternity.  Through the love and grace of God, we can keep hope alive.  May we forever rest and abound in the God of hope.

Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  (1 Pet. 1:13).

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 15:13)

[1] Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology.

 

Keep Hope Alive: True Hope

 

Keep Hope Alive: True Hope

Hope and faith

In our first teaching on hope, we shared that hope is included as one of the three theological virtues mentioned in Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth.  “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three.” (1 Cor. 13:13, KJV).  Our faith becomes a key ingredient with hope and love to offer us peace, guidance, and unwavering hope.  It provides us strength and solace in time of uncertainty.  This is true not because we are “optimistic”, but we believe that God is truly in control regardless of the circumstances we face.

Paul admonished the young Christian converts of Thessalonica (as he does for us today) to arm themselves with these key virtues that will withstand dangers, toils, and strife they might face in this fallen world.  Paul wanted to help believers look not only to their present situation but also to their secure future in eternity.

But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.  (1 Thess. 5:8, NLT)

The Apostle Peter shared this same message to God’s elect that had been scattered because of persecution.  He encouraged them to persevere in a “lively hope” because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  (1 Peter 1:3).  He told them:  “Gird up the loins of your mind and rest your hope fully upon the GRACE that is revealed at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  (1 Pet. 1:13).  That “revelation” came and still comes through the Holy Spirit.

Hope and the Holy Spirit

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace In believing (as you trust in Him) that you may abound (overflow) in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 15:13)

This verse is a benedictory prayer.  A benedictory prayer is a short blessing given at the conclusion of public worship.  Paul begins by recognizing and acknowledging God as the true source of hope. He then adds that his readers will be filled with joy and peace.  Joy relates to the delight of anticipation and seeing one’s hopes fulfilled. Peace results from the assurance that God will fulfill those hopes. As a result, believers overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. The achievement of all God’s purposes for his children come from the power given by the Spirit of God.

The Holy Spirit instills hope in believers by:

    1. Reassurance of God’s Love: The Holy Spirit pours God’s love into the hearts of believers, providing a steadfast foundation for hope. This love is unconditional and everlasting, providing security and assurance even in the face of trials and tribulations. (Rom. 5:5)
    1. Guiding and Strengthening Faith: The Holy Spirit strengthens believers’ faith, enabling them to trust in God’s promises and plans. This faith is the source of hope, as it allows believers to anticipate God’s goodness and believe in the fulfillment of His promises. (Heb. 11:1)
    1. Empowering for Perseverance: The Holy Spirit empowers believers with resilience and perseverance, enabling them to endure challenges and maintain hope amid difficulties. This empowerment allows believers to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward towards God’s purpose. (Gal.5:22-23)
    1. Revealing God’s Plan: The Holy Spirit unveils God’s plan and purpose for believers’ lives, providing a clear direction and motivation for hope. This understanding of God’s plan instills hope for the future, as believers see how their present struggles fit into God’s overarching design. (Eph. 1:17-18)
    1. Interceding in prayer: The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers in prayer, expressing their deepest yearnings and hopes to God. This intercession ensures that believers hopes are aligned with God’s will and that their prayers are heard and answered. (Rom. 8: 26-27).

The Holy Spirit serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path forward and guiding believers toward the fulfillment of God’s promises. Hope, anchored in the Holy Spirit’s presence, becomes a source of strength, resilience, and unwavering faith, enabling believers to navigate the challenges of life with confidence and anticipation of God’s goodness.

Real Hope

For hope to be real in our life, it is important that we are intentional in claiming that which Christ has obtained for us through His sacrificial death and powerful resurrection.  We know that as believers in Christ we live continually in the presence of God who is the great I AM.  It is God who provides us with what we need for the challenges we face (Isa. 43:2).   Want to keep hope alive?  Believe in God!

Keep Hope Alive: The God of Hope

Keep Hope Alive: The God of Hope

How do we describe hope?

Do we use common metaphors for hope to encourage others to believe “there’s a path to good” even in bad times?   Here are a few we might have used.

  • “There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
  • “Every cloud has a silver lining.”
  • “The sun is peeking through the clouds.”
  • “Hope is an eternal flame.”

But let’s be honest, when we’re at the “end of our rope” and the “bottom of our world has fallen out”, metaphors about hope will not help us “keep hope alive”. We are looking for something that will ease our troubled souls right now!  We need real hope.

What have we learned about hope?

In our study thus far, we have described hope as a combination of desire for something AND the expectation of receiving it.  And why is hope important?  Because it encourages us to persevere and continue moving forward.  We all agree that hope is what is needed as we navigate through the challenges of life in the 21st century.

But hope has ALWAYS been something we humans have needed whether in ancient times or modern days.  Man’s ability to survive and thrive has been dependent on hope.  The challenge, however, continues to be our ability to identify the BEST SOURCE of HOPE.

Man’s hope

Man’s hope comes from a variety of sources that, when combined and strengthened, provide a foundation for optimism, resilience, and the pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling life.  These include the following which we most commonly use.

Relationships and connections: human connections and strong relationships provide a sense of belonging, support, and love, fostering hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Personal strengths and abilities: recognizing and utilizing one’s strengths and abilities instills confidence and a sense of empowerment, nurturing hope for achieving goals and overcoming challenges.

Meaning and purpose: finding meaning and purpose in life, whether personal interest, family, community, or spiritual beliefs, provides a sense of direction and motivation, fueling hope for our fulfillment and meaningful existence.

Spiritual beliefs and faith: for many, spiritual beliefs and faith in a higher power offers a sense of peace, guidance, and unwavering hope, providing strength and solace in time of uncertainty.[1]

For we who are followers of Christ, that Higher Power is the Most High God (Psa. 7:17).

The God of Hope

The writer of Psalm 42 recounts their hopelessness and frustration as they, like us, handle times of distress and sorrow.   In verses 5, 11, and Psalm 43:5, they ask themselves this question.

Why art thou cast down O my soul?  And why art thou disquieted within me?  (NKJV)

Why am I discouraged?   Why is my heart so sad?   (NLT)

We are “cast down” because the things we have tried to do in our human strength is failing to impact our fears.  We are “discouraged and sad” because when we look around there is “no light at the end of the tunnel” nor is the “sun peeking through the clouds.”

The reality we must come to grips with is that we live in a fallen world, where sin will continue to manifest itself in the brokenness and pain we see today.  Injustice, wars, corruption, and much more.  BUT THERE IS HOPE.   True hope is not dependent on our circumstances nor on the world situation.  True hope results in “peace that passes all understanding: (Eph. 4:7), “unspeakable joy” (1 Pet. 1:8), and “salvation from all danger” (Psa. 18:2).

The Psalmist concludes that the answer to his state of distress and hopelessness can be found in God.

 HOPE thou in God…who is the health of my countenance.  (NKJV)

I will put my hope in God!  I will praise Him again.  My Savior and my God.  (NLT)

Our hope is built on the faithfulness and dependability of God.  We rely on the fidelity of God.  God is true, truthful, and trustworthy.  His Word and His promises provide the “blessed assurance” we need to not only survive but also thrive in this world.   He is our sufficiency (2 Cor. 3:5).

How can we cultivate our hope while living in this fallen world during the 21st century?  We must recognize and acknowledge that God alone is the true source of our hope and salvation (Psa. 62:5-12).  Next week, we’ll conclude our study on hope by sharing the role of the Holy Spirit in keeping hope alive.

[1]  Google search

Throwback Wednesday: Truth: The Divine Perspective

 

Throwback Wednesday: Truth:  The Divine Perspective

For the past few weeks WordBytes has focused on the process of  “returning”.  Return by definition means to come or go back to a place or person or thing.   As a part of speech, it is an action word that demands a personal response to accomplish a desired outcome.

In our series we suggested that to live victoriously, it is critical that we as believers not forget key spiritual virtues.  If we have “drifted”, it begins by returning to our first love, God.  Other areas include fellowship, faithfulness, joy, and repentance.  Returning is an indication and an admission, that we, at one time, have been in the “right place”.

With that in mind, for Throwback Wednesday we’d like to “return to basics”; and that basic involves truth.  More specifically, God’s Truth.  We offer for your consideration, “Truth:  The Divine Perspective.”

Truth: The Divine Perspective

Return to Joy

 

Returning to joy

What is Joy?

Joy is defined as gladness of heart.  It is listed among the top five things[1] people desperately want in life yet “never seem to be able to get”.  Joy’s allusiveness, in many cases, is the result of our tendency to define joy as external to ourselves.  We believe it is a person, place, or thing.  Once we have “it”, we’ll have joy.  Wrong!

Joy under Attack

As we survey the world we live it, gladness of heart is under attack.  Our attempts to navigate 21st century living seem more daunting and challenging with each new day.  Financial worries served as a significant source of stress ranking higher than three other causes of concern: work, family responsibilities, and health concerns.

Work, family, and health concerns have exploded.  So how can we find joy?   The Apostle Paul shares the secret of not only how to find joy but also how to return to it in spite of the pressures we might face.

Source of Joy

In Philippians 4:4, Paul exhorts the Church at Philippi to holy joy and delight in God.

Delight yourselves in the Lord, yes, find your joy in him at all times.  (Phillips Translation)

God has furnished us with joy even in the worst of circumstances.  Nehemiah in the midst of hostility and threats, said that “the joy of the Lord is my strength.” (Neh. 8:10).

David acknowledged that “in God’s presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).  Jesus instructed His Disciples “to live in The Vine”—in Jesus’ holy presence (John 15:5-11).  By living in the Vine, Jesus’ joy would remain “in them and be full.”  These same offers of joy are extended to you and I who live in the 21st century.    Jesus is the source of our joy.

Returning to Joy

It is God’s desire that we return to joy regardless of life’s circumstances or difficulties.  Jesus describes these as “tribulations” (John 16:33).  Tribulations and trials are “natural outcomes” we suffer as a result of living in a fallen world.

We experience the effects of fallenness every day.  They include death, disease, and difficulties.  However, in Christ and as God’s children, we have been provided with God’s Presence (The Holy Spirit), God’s blessings (Eph. 1:3-17), and God’s inexhaustible grace to sustain us (Phil. 1:6).

Strengthen our Joy

Returning to joy strengthens our resolve and helps us to continue the purpose God has set before us. Such strength can only come from Eternal God Who helps us through the worst of circumstances.   When we come into the presence of the Lord, we connect with His great and eternal power.  God’s power exceeds anything we can do in our own strength (Phil.  4:13).

We are invited to return to the joy that comes from serving God who is sovereign and who has overcome the world (Ps. 119:89-91).

[1]  Top 5 include:   Happiness, Money, Freedom, Peace, Joy