01/30/2020
Sometimes we get absorbed in the trials and tribulations of the world’s daily life, so much so that we not only miss the fullness of joy that comes with our faith, but we almost refuse to allow ourselves the slightest pleasure of it. Have you ever been so convinced of your misery, or perhaps in the fact that you are undeserving of happiness, that you won’t allow yourself to feel the inexplicable joy of faith? Well, you are meant to be joyous, meant to be filled with the glory of God, and to experience the Peace of Christ.
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,”
1 Peter 1:8 ESV
Missouri is one of the states in the United States of America, and it is known by the moniker, “The Show Me State”. This comes from their tendency towards reality... in other words, don’t just tell me, but show me! This sounds a lot like the Apostle Thomas doesn’t it? This kind of mentality is very pragmatic and founded in reality, but it neglects our faith, and the constant joy that comes along with it. Thomas saw Jesus die, but he didn’t believe the resurrection until he had placed his hand into the wound of the raised Jesus. The joy of believing had previously escaped him, but with renewed faith came revitalized joy.
“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 ESV
The words believing, hope, and faith are tightly bound to our feeling, and expression, of God’s joy and grace. If we tie ourselves too tightly to our physical lives, and require a “Show Me” approach to Jesus, and if we neglect these spiritual attributes (the belief in things as yet unseen), then we lose the joy, and our hope is diminished. Has this ever happened in your life? Have you ever lost the joy only to realize that you are also experiencing a decline in your faith?
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Proverbs 17:22 ESV
We are meant to be joyous, to feel God’s grace, and have the Peace of Christ, but these things are packaged side by side with our faith. Without believing we might experience moments of happiness, but if we believe in God the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ, then there is joy everlasting, and a peace that defies all understanding. This is the meaning of a transformed life, and what God has planned for us. Are you experiencing it? Is your faithfulness allowing God to bring His joy into your life?
“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 ESV
So, seek an increase in your faith, and find the joy that abounds in it. Certainly there will be sorrows and trials in life, but through our faith comes the joy that overwhelms them, and in our belief comes the Peace of Christ that will defy these worldly sufferings dominion over you. Claim the Joy, the hope, and the peace in your life!
“"For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”
Isaiah 55:12 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the joy you bring into my life by my faith in you, and the peace I find in believing in your Son Jesus. Fill me to overflowing Father, and let me rejoice always in your presence. Teach me Lord to deny the world its sorrowful hold on me, and to grasp your joy in all things... even in the midst of my trials and tribulations. Open my eyes to the peace that comes with my belief in Jesus, and his having defeated sin, and conquered death. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who’s will for me includes your great joy. I praise you in all of my life, even in the storms, for your joy is my promise, and peace the fulfillment I find in your Son Jesus. Greater are you that he who is in the world, and greater my joy in you than all the suffering that awaits there. Your mercy and grace walks hand in hand with my faith, and my joy is made full in my belief in you. All glory is yours Holy Father, and made perfect in the grace that flows through Jesus. Hear my prayers, and know my heart, as I sing joyously before you, and cling to my faith and steadfast belief, now, and forevermore.
“You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalms 4:7-8 ESV
Rich Forbes