03/02/2024
When we read scripture that tells us to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, or to give thanks in every situation, do we worry about being able to do these things? Are we concerned about becoming distracted, losing interest, or eventually becoming tired as we stand chanting, worshipping, and praying in the presence of God? Do we find ourselves failing at these things now after short periods of time and grow concerned about disappointing God, not making it to heaven, or failing miserably once we do get there? Do we worry about how long eternity lasts, and our ability to do these things faithfully forevermore? Well you are not alone, but do not fear.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 ESV
Although we shouldn’t, we do become concerned when we think about our limitations, and begin to fear God in our abilities, and that we might disappoint Him, but think on this... I have always loved my parents and have never wanted to disappoint them. I remember playing sports and glancing at the sidelines to see if my father was still watching, and if he had a look of pride or approval on his face. When I acted in school plays I would look from the wings to see if my mother was in the audience, and then I would watch to see how she reacted during the performance. It is the same with our Heavenly Father, and we have an intense desire to do all that we can to please Him.
Wanting to please God like this does a couple of things, it causes us to fear failing Him, and it heightens our desire to do everything we can to please Him without ceasing. This desire and fear are based on the love we have for Him, and is heightened if we love Him with all our heart. That is why this is the first and greatest commandment, but are we afraid of not loving Him as we should, just as we are with the other things we are asked to do?
“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.
Matthew 22:37-38 ESV
If we depend on the faithfulness of our own love, our own ability to worship, or our own weak mental faculties, we will most certainly fail, but God has no desire for us to fail, and sends us help. If we doubt this then let’s pay closer attention to what happened in the Garden of Gethsemane…
“And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
Luke 22:43-44 ESV
God sends us help… I remember how I occasionally failed when playing sports, but after the game my father would put his arm around my shoulder, and give me consolation and advice that would improve my game. The same was true when I would struggle to remember my lines during a school play; even then my mother would praise me for those things I did well, and go over my lines with me again before the next performance. You see, this is love, and if our earthly parents can love us this much, then how much more do we believe that our Heavenly Father loves us? If our earthly parents don’t want to see us fail, then do we really believe that God’s desire for us to succeed isn’t far greater than this?
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
Matthew 7:7-11 ESV
Our Father, God, loves us so much that He sent His only begotten Son Jesus to die for us, and when we are hungry He feeds us, when we are thirsty He gives us drink, and when we lacking in anything He gives us the ability to pray. Our Father who is in Heaven increases our strength of faith, He has even sent us His Holy Spirit to give us understanding. So I say now, just as scripture tells us over and over again… fear not! Because our God has not only overcome the world, but every shortcoming that is within us as well. We will find that when we are standing with the heavenly host and the apostle John, that our voices will rise up with theirs as they say Holy, Holy, Holy, and they will be strong, and call out with those of the heavenly host forevermore.
“And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
2 Timothy 4:18 KJV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for loving us as you do, and for strengthening us, and seeing us through all of our weaknesses as we strive to please you. Thank you Father for encouraging us, and lifting us up when we stumble, and for giving us courage when we are afraid. In your presence we are able to pray without ceasing, chant without tiring before your throne, and soar on the wings of eagles. You strengthen us with your Word, and Spirit Father, and for this we praise you, glorify you, and in everything we serve you, and make a joyful noise unto you. It is you who has made us, and you who makes us strong in belief and faith. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who celebrates our successes, and wraps your arms around us when we have failed and need you most. It is you who sent your Son Jesus through whom we have received your grace, and it is you who foresaw the need for His blood to cleanse us and makes us worthy of eternity with you. Take away all our fear except the fear we have of disappointing you, and strengthen us so that we will never fail or disappoint you Lord. Give us every ability we will need to do those things forever that your Holy Word asks of us, and on the day of judgement let us hear you say “This is my beloved child with whom I am well pleased.” (Mat 3:17)
Amen
“And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say,
“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
Revelation 4:8-11 ESV
Rich Forbes