Man, it feels like we’re living through some tough times, doesn’t it? Watching all these events unfold around us and feeling like we’re just spectators can be really challenging. It’s like, in the midst of all this, there’s this sneaky attempt to swipe our joy right from under our noses. But we’re not about to hand it over, are we? Absolutely not! This reminds me of something Paul said in Philippians 4:4-8 about always finding reasons to rejoice and not getting weighed down by anxiety. Instead, we should focus on the good stuff – things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable.
Philippians 4:4-8:
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
And it’s not just Paul who talks about this. David in Psalm 37:7-9 tells us to chill out in God’s presence, not get worked up over people who seem to be doing well through shady means, and to keep our cool because in the end, patience pays off.
Psalm 37:7-9:
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.”
So, let me ask you something:
Do you believe in a God who’s behind this incredible universe?
A God who thought you up and brought you into this world?
How about a God who loved us so much that He sent His own son to make sure we could have eternal life?
If you’re nodding along, then there’s really nothing to freak out about here. We’ve got so much to be grateful for. This place? It’s just a temporary stop. We’re headed somewhere much better, and this life is just the beginning of an endless story.
Jesus summed it up beautifully when he said the two most important things we can do are to love God with everything we’ve got and to love the people around us just as much as we love ourselves.
Matthew 22:36-39:
“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. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
So today, and every day, let’s make a conscious choice to embrace joy, gratitude, peace, and most importantly, love.