Take Refuge and Rejoice
Category: Joy
Exceedingly Abundant
Ephesians 3:20 can give us goosebumps as we think of all the happy things God can do. However, as I look at the context – one of spiritual growth and maturity – my mind goes down a different path. I believe the Christian life can bring much joy, but there is sorrow as well. The difficult things often bring about the most spiritual growth. So, what is the exceeding abundance? I believe 2 Corinthians 9:8 gives us the answer. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” God’s grace brings the abundance that He wants. Abundance for every good work.
I fear we come to verses like Ephesians 3:20 with selfish thoughts. Selfishness is often a part of our identity. We need to give our own desires to God and He will give us His grace for abundant good works.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the abundance You provide. Please help me to see the ways You want to change my identity from self-centeredness to grace filled good works. Please strengthen me for the tasks ahead. I give You praise for all You do.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Christmas Joy
The story of Christmas is one that brings great joy. I fear that we are more stuck on short term happiness than long term joy. The truth of Christmas starts with the fact that we are sinners and need a Savior. Jesus came to be born as a baby and then grew to be a man who died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. I believe most of my readers know this and have placed their trust in Jesus to save them from their sins. This should bring us joy. However, the sin nature is still active and brings struggle.
Despite the difficulties of life, the Christmas story should bring us back to joy. Joy for the ultimate gift that Jesus’ birth brought.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus. Thank You that we can have joy through trusting Your Son. Please help us to put our own selfishness aside and bring us back to the joy that You provide.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
More Christmas Praise
Shepherds were not considered the elite of society. However, God chose to share the good news of Jesus’ birth with them. Luke 2:20 tells us of the shepherds rejoicing and giving glory to God. They are a good example for us.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus’ to a humble birth. Thank You for the example of the shepherds giving You glory. You deserve all the honor and glory.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
The Wisdom of Praise
I have noticed how easy it is to complain. I think that has always been an issue, but it has been even more prevalent in the last two and half years. I know I should thank and praise the Lord more than I do, but sometimes it feels awkward. I want to work on changing that.
There is great wisdom in praising and thanking God. He has given so many good gifts. If you don’t know what they are, read the Bible.
Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for Who You are and the many wonderful things You have done. Thank You for the gift of salvation, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and Your Word that gives so much insight for life.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Hope and Joy
We talk a lot about hope. We hope things will go well. We have hope for a better future. Earthly hope is more of a wish. There is no guarantee. Heavenly hope is certain. For those who have trusted in Jesus, we know with absolute certainty that we will spend a glorious eternity with God. When I spend more of my time thinking about eternity – the sure hope I have in Christ – the more joy I find. If I think about my friends who know Christ and the future we will have together in heaven, I smile a whole lot more. If I focus on the here and now, I am more likely to get bogged down in negative emotions. While we need negative emotions to be honest about living in a sin cursed earth, we cannot let them dictate our outlook. This is a balance I will fight for my entire life.
The first step towards eternal hope is following God’s way by trusting in Jesus Christ to save us from our sins. Then we need to search Scripture to learn God’s way. I like the strength God’s way gives.
Dear Heavenly Father, there is so much need for true Biblical hope. Thank you for providing the way to find the joy that hope brings. Please help me to continue to seek Your way. I need You every day.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Thanks Christmas
2 Corinthians 9:15 might be considered a Thanksgiving verse, but I had this color page from a Christmas book. Since Jesus came to die to provide salvation from sins, His birth is the ultimate gift.
Merry Christmas!
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing gift of Jesus Christ. I praise Your name!
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good!
Christmas Reminders
Last week, I mentioned the prophecy about Jesus Christ in Isaiah – He is Immanuel – God with us. I think we get stuck on warm fuzzy thinking of God being with us. The reason Jesus came was to save people from sins. There is nothing warm and fuzzy about sin. I think we struggle admitting the ugliness of sin in our lives. Maybe that is why we have so much grumpiness during this Christmas season.
I wonder if the remedy for negativity is admitting our sin and asking Jesus to forgive us. We might have more joy to share with others. I think it is worth a try.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus came to save us from our sins. Please help us to admit our sin and ask forgiveness. Thank You for the joy of being forgiven.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Tis the Season to Be Grumpy
I don’t know about you, but I have noticed more grumpiness this year than other Decembers. The last two years have been tough for sure. We can get busy and focused on our Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s plans. I think we forget the real reason for Christmas – no wonder we have so much grumpiness. However, God is still good. Very good. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be born as a baby. Jesus came to save us from our sins. What can bring more joy than knowing that?
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to save us. Thank You for the joy You give. Please help us to share this joy with others,
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Tears and Joy
I know many who have shed tears in recent times. There are all kinds of reasons for those tears. The Psalmist had many trials and difficulties. He took them to the Lord to find the help he needed. We don’t know when we will have the shouts of joy – sowing tears can seem like a long process.
I know that God always does what He promises. While the tears are heavy and the suffering can seem long, I know that we will reap with shouts of joy!
Dear Heavenly Father, please help those who are shedding tears while sowing for You. Please strengthen them. Help them to remember they will reap with shouts of joy.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Pleading in Prayer 