Daily Devotional for May 31, 2021 – Once or twice is not enough…it’s time to be like Jesus – and keep praying

Luke 6:12-13
One day soon afterwards he went out into the mountains to pray, and prayed all night. At daybreak he called together his followers and chose twelve of them to be the inner circle of his disciples. (They were appointed as his “apostles,” or “missionaries.”)

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

One Sunday in June 2019, we brought the children home with us after church for an afternoon of play. While I prepared lunch, I got out things for taco salad for myself and Greg, and the boys said, “Did you know we eat lettuce now?” I told them I did not…and they said, “Yes, but we’ve tried it twice now, so we don’t need anymore!” You and I often behave like 7-and-9-year-old boys. We act like we’ve prayed already…we don’t need to talk with God anymore.

Here’s what I get from these verses in Luke 6…even Jesus Christ spent time in prayer. Surely, He knew who would be chosen to serve as His disciples. But Jesus went away from the group and prayed all night, and then He came down from the mountain and shared His plans and selections. If Jesus found it necessary and important to pray, shouldn’t we?

The other thing I get from this is that Jesus prayerfully chose the twelve disciples. There is not a single decision that Jesus takes lightly…and this includes the ones that pertain to you and me. If Jesus felt it was critical to talk with God about His decisions, don’t you think it is important for us to do the same? Don’t you think we need to consult God about everything – for as long as it takes?

When it comes to prayer, once – or even twice – is not enough. We must keep talking – and listening. We must continually seek God’s will and wisdom about everything. Jesus’ example of faithful, obedient communication with God serves as a guide for each of us. We must find time to talk with God – and truly Hear what He tells us. Often, this will require that we get away from the noise and “busyness” of the day and those around us, so that we are not distracted.

We are encouraged in the scriptures to pray often throughout the day – about everything and anything that arises. I also encourage you to find a “mountaintop” where you can be truly alone with God. This may be during a walk or workout – or even in the shower! Get creative…ask God to show you where the two of you should meet each day! Prayer works! You’ve tried it before…now try it again…and again…and again. God has important things to convey to you during these visits. Don’t you want to hear what He has to say?

©2021 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 30, 2021 – It’s time to strengthen our ongoing dialog with Jesus…and kick the devil to the curb

Luke 22:31-34
Jesus said, “Simon, listen to me! Satan has demanded the right to test each one of you, as a farmer does when he separates wheat from the husks. But Simon, I have prayed that your faith will be strong. And when you have come back to me, help the others.”

Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to jail and even to die with you.”

Jesus replied, “Peter, I tell you that before a rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will say three times that you don’t know me.”

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

This morning on CBS’s Face the Nation, an executive from an organization called “Mental Health America” was interviewed about how our mental well being has been affected by the pandemic. Truly, a lot of us will never be the same. This is not to say that we would necessarily be diagnosed as clinically suffering from a mental illness. But more of us than we realize have suffered at least mild depression and anxiety these past 16+ months.

While there are still far too many people suffering from COVID-19, it does appear that the worst of this pandemic is in our rear-view mirror. So what’s next? I can tell you for certain that the devil is not going to stop testing us. Like Peter, you may declare, “Lord, I am ready to go with You and do whatever you ask.” And Jesus knows you mean this in that moment. But the devil is wily and slick. He will remind you of those who berated you for wearing a mask and staying isolated. He will point out that plenty of folks went right on with their lives – and “nothing bad happened.” He will suggest that you wasted months of “living.” He might even suggest that your fear and anxiety represented your lack of faith in God to keep you healthy and safe.

The devil will tell others that Jesus deserted them…that their loved ones got sick – and even died – despite their faith and best efforts to stay safe and observe all recommended practices. It was suggested to me early on that you and I would look at a lot of people differently after the pandemic…and indeed, I find this to be true in my own life. And the question I have is this…How can I help others until I truly find my own “place” with Jesus? How can I encourage others to trust God if I am anxious and unsettled? If I lack confidence in what I hear God telling me, how can I urge others to seek His word and will? What will be our witness post-pandemic?

This scripture passage shows us that we won’t get everything right all the time. We all know that Peter denied Jesus 3 times in one night, just as Christ predicted. There will be times when we succumb to worry and anxiety – or we do something and then wonder, “Why on earth did I do that?!” I think we all instinctively stuck out our hand to shake that of a friend – or stood too closely to someone who was unmasked, out of habit. We all say and do things we know we shouldn’t at times – not just during a pandemic. Jesus knows this, too.

While we must make every effort to stay awake and alert – and on our toes – Jesus knows that we are human, fallible, and sinful. He knows that we won’t always get it right. But we are called to make every effort to seek His word and will on a daily basis, no matter what it looks like to the outside world. And then we are to encourage others to do the same, out of our own faithful relationship with Jesus Christ.

As we move forward, some will ease into “normal life” – while others will throw open their arms and dive in with wild abandon. Some who never stopped their pre-pandemic activities will question what all the “fuss” was about. People are watching. They want to see what we Christians will do…how we will react and respond…and how we will treat each other in the coming weeks and months. Jesus is telling us to get ourselves settled and in a right relationship with Him – then nurture and minister to others in His name. He is calling on us to kick the devil to the curb, to call on Him for strength and wisdom…and to listen for His response.

The key to keeping the devil at bay and staying in the will of God is constant communication with Him – both speaking AND listening. Make a deliberate effort each day to talk to God and find out what He wants you to do. Know His voice so well that there is no question when you hear from Him. Jesus Christ himself has prayed that our faith will be strong. It’s time to honor His commitment and sacrifice.

©2021 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 29, 2021 – Watch out and keep praying…lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, and more…

Luke 21:34-36
Don’t spend all of your time thinking about eating or drinking or worrying about life. If you do, the final day will suddenly catch you like a trap. That day will surprise everyone on earth. Watch out and keep praying that you can escape all that is going to happen and that the Son of Man will be pleased with you.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

We have been working since last November to get my childhood home emptied and on the market…and now it looks like we are close to having a sale. It’s been a long journey with countless “bumps in the road,” but we see light at the end of the tunnel. This morning, Greg asked me, “What are you going to do when this is done? What will you do with all of your extra time?” He was being facetious…I’m never at a loss for “projects!” My answer to him was, “I’m going to live my life and enjoy it!”

Let’s be clear…there are things in our life that we must address. They are necessary “distractions” that preoccupy and temporarily consume us. But we must always remember to maintain balance. Since the pandemic hit, I have rediscovered walking for exercise…something I thought was impossible because of my arthritis. I did my homework and learned that walking is recommended for arthritics – even if it hurts. I have discovered that there is a “sweet spot” for me of about 3½ miles per trek, where I can get plenty of good exercise without having achy joints afterwards.

Greg and I both walk every other day – and we don’t miss. We walk in the rain, heat, wind…and even during the single-digit temps of the February snowstorm! This is our prayer time…Greg calls it his “Zen!” Indeed, when we walk, we communicate with God in a deep and profound way. Lately, my prayer has included a plea that we never forget the “lessons” of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I don’t want to rush back into life as we knew it in 2019. I don’t want to forget the lessons of learning to “be” with less…to rely more on God and less on outside influences or activities. I don’t want to ever take for granted the hugs and in-person fellowship with family members and friends. I also don’t want to forget the importance of stringent hand washing and other hygiene measures!

I want to take the good, bad, and ugly of the COVID-19 pandemic and incorporate them into my life in a way that makes me more awake and alert to God’s presence in my life and circumstances…all of them! I don’t want to jump back into activities just because I can. Each word and action needs to be intentional, purposeful, and God-ordained. I will be the first to admit that I can stew and fret with the best of them – often over ridiculous and insignificant things. But I am determined to do better…to focus more on God and what He wants, and to trust Him even more.

God has delivered us through so many things, and He’s not going to stop now. My job is to watch out and keep praying…and to remember to LISTEN to what He is telling me and showing me. I hope that you will make this your mission, as well. Find a way to engage in meaningful conversation with God every day. Hear what He is telling you – and thank Him for His answers and guidance. I pray we never have to endure something as horrible as this pandemic again. But let’s not lose the valuable lessons God gave us in the process. Alleluia!

©2021 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 28, 2021 – Never give up on God…keep on praying!

Luke 18:1-8
One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must keep praying until the answer comes.

“There was a city judge,” he said, “a very godless man who had great contempt for everyone. A widow of that city came to him frequently to appeal for justice against a man who had harmed her. The judge ignored her for a while, but eventually she got on his nerves.

“‘I fear neither God nor man,’ he said to himself, ‘but this woman bothers me. I’m going to see that she gets justice, for she is wearing me out with her constant coming!’”

Then the Lord said, “If even an evil judge can be worn down like that, don’t you think that God will surely give justice to his people who plead with him day and night? Yes! He will answer them quickly! But the question is: When I, the Messiah, return, how many will I find who have faith and are praying?”

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

In August 2020, we stood the children against the garage wall outdoors and measured their height, and I transferred the numbers to a place in our laundry room where we have recorded height and weight since the kids were toddlers. The first few days of May 2021, when we were finally able to be together indoors again, we took new measurements and weights – and added them to the wall. Each child had grown more than an inch…Zola had shot up almost 3.5 inches!

I knew even without these measurements that the children had grown, so it came as no surprise that their costumes are short and snug in many instances. Zola’s “bridal gown” that was once floor length now hits her just below the knees. And Nathan’s SpiderMan costume is skintight…but he managed to squeeze into it all the same. I assumed that at ages 8½, 10, and 12, the children were probably over costumes. I was wrong!

Nathan mentioned several times that he needed a new SpiderMan costume. We pretty well ignored him. But then two things happened: 1) he rode up to Greg on his bicycle and very seriously said, “Uncle Greg, I really need a new SpiderMan costume.”; and 2) he had to undergo an appendectomy this week as a followup to a perforated appendix he experienced in January. I ordered the new costume a few days before his surgery.

There are times when persistence pays! There are also times when we must trust God for outcomes and let things go. When someone receives a terminal diagnosis and every indication is that human avenues for treatment and healing have been exhausted, there is no “shame” in admitting that healing will not come this side of Heaven – and stopping all life-saving/extending measures. When you have done all you can to help someone, and he/she simply will not make needed changes to warrant continuation of your support, it is sometimes right to walk away and love from afar – or at least to take a break. This doesn’t mean we stop praying – or asking God to fix what we cannot. It just means that we understand human limits.

Here’s what I want us to remember today…giving up on God is not an option. In fact, when we stop asking God for whatever is on our heart, we insult Him. It’s like we are saying, “I know you’re never going to answer, so what’s the point?!” The point is that God wants us to continually rely on Him…to always call on Him…and to ALWAYS believe that nothing is impossible for Him. So keep praying…for God’s will, not your own. Keep asking and reminding…not in a pesky manner, but in a hopeful and faithful way. Keep saying, “God, I know you are working on XYZ, and I am humbly asking You to manifest Your will. Please fix what I cannot. I trust You to answer perfectly…and I am waiting on Your timing.”

Understand that we are never going to “wear down” God…and that’s not the point. We are to demonstrate our faith in God’s design and will…and His timing. We are to keep on asking – and never quit. Pray faithfully and expectantly – and watch God work. I cannot promise you’ll get a new SpiderMan costume, but God will answer – and you’ll be blessed in ways you cannot even imagine. Alleluia!

©2021 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 27, 2021 – Comparing yourself to others…are you humble when you pray?

John 18:10-14
Two men went into the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood over by himself and prayed, “God, I thank you that I am not greedy, dishonest, and unfaithful in marriage like other people. And I am really glad that I am not like that tax collector over there. I go without eating for two days a week, and I give you one tenth of all I earn.”

The tax collector stood off at a distance and did not think he was good enough even to look up toward heaven. He was so sorry for what he had done that he pounded his chest and prayed, “God, have pity on me! I am such a sinner.”

Then Jesus said, “When the two men went home, it was the tax collector and not the Pharisee who was pleasing to God. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.”

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Before you move on and decide this passage does not apply today, take a deep breath. When was the last time you mentioned to God how evil someone else is? Haven’t you pointed out to God that So-and-So is “wrong” about something, such as his/her political affiliation, sexual orientation, or stance on any number of social and moral issues? How often do you mention your own failings to God and thank Him for His forgiveness and redemption through the blood of Jesus? When was the last time you told God that you were humbled and blessed that He would do so much for you – a sinner? Are you in the habit of telling God how glad you are that you’re not like this one or that one?

You and I are “Gimme, gimme, gimme Christians” much of the time. “But, wait!” you may protest…“I am praying for others!”  Yes, you are asking God to heal others in the name of Jesus. You may be asking for world peace or great things to be accomplished through your missions and ministries – or those of your church. But too often, all we do is ask. We never say “Thank you” – much less tell God, “I have no business asking You for these things, because I am a worthless sinner.” Of course, scripture tells us that God wants us to ask…that He wants us to believe that we are redeemed and forgiven – and that what we faithfully ask for in accordance with His will, He will supply.

The problem is this…you and I sin daily. But more than a few of us quit acknowledging our sinful nature a long time ago. We either point out the faults of others to God and ask Him to fix them…or we simply ask, and ask, and ASK…and never stop to admit that without His grace and mercy – and Salvation through Jesus Christ – we would have no business calling on God for anything!

So think about your conversations with God this day – and consider “coming clean” with Him about your sinfulness. Point out the broken places in your life and call on Him to heal you. He can, and He will. Thank God for covering you in His grace, mercy and forgiveness – and hearing your petitions. Thank Him even more for the answers! Remember how you got where you are in God’s Kingdom, and take time to genuinely tell him, “God, have pity on me! I am such a sinner!” This genuine acknowledgement can change your prayers – and your attitude in so many other areas. And God will honor your humility and bless you for it. Hallelujah!

©2021 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 26, 2021 – Keep knocking and praying!

Luke 11:5-13
Then Jesus went on to say:

Suppose one of you goes to a friend in the middle of the night and says, “Let me borrow three loaves of bread. A friend of mine has dropped in, and I don’t have a thing for him to eat.” And suppose your friend answers, “Don’t bother me! The door is bolted, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up to give you something.”

He may not get up and give you the bread, just because you are his friend. But he will get up and give you as much as you need, simply because you are not ashamed to keep on asking.

So I tell you to ask and you will receive, search and you will find, knock and the door will be opened for you. Everyone who asks will receive, everyone who searches will find, and the door will be opened for everyone who knocks. Which one of you fathers would give your hungry child a snake if the child asked for a fish? Which one of you would give your child a scorpion if the child asked for an egg? As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give the Holy Spirit to anyone who asks.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace; give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly union and concord: that as there is but one Body and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity , and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.*

The Book of Common Prayer was first published in 1549 – and revised in 1552. Another revision in 1662 has become the official book of prayer for the Church of England, and derivations of this book are used around the world today by many churches. I chose this Prayer for Unity, because these petitions are a big part of my prayers these days. To think that this prayer was written almost 475 years ago gives me pause. I am reminded and encouraged to keep knocking and praying!

Imagine how many times God has heard this petition. Think of how often He has answered. Yes, we still need to keep asking for “unity in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity.”  We still need to call on God to strengthen and unify us with “one mind and mouth” to glorify Him through Jesus Christ. But think how much God has done already! Consider how God has “mended fences” in your own life, dealt with evil forces, righted wrongs and settled differences. Yes, there is still much work to be done, but God is ready, willing and able to do these things! So keep knocking and praying!

This passage in Luke reminds us not to give up on God. Pray with humility, hope, and expectation. Trust that God hears you…and He is not in the business of playing around with your heart or the details of your life. God is always with us, always listening, always working. Never give up on God, because He never gives up on you!  Keep knocking and praying…and watch and wait for God to answer. And always remember to praise Him with gratitude and thanks for all that He delivers. Alleluia!

©2021 Debbie Robus

*Prayer for the Unity of God’s People, The Book of Common Prayer, pgs. 37-38 – Public Domain.

Daily Devotional for May 25, 2021 – Oh, Lord, teach us to pray…

Luke 11:1-13
One day he was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said, “Master, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.”

So he said, “When you pray, say,

Father,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Several years ago, I acquired a copy of “The Book of Common Prayer” at the estate sale of a beloved fellow church member. I’ll admit, I don’t reference this book often. The language is old and elegant – and I have to stop and really think about what is being said. (Maybe that’s a good thing!) There are prayers in this little book for every occasion and event…even prayers for Congress and the branches of the military. There are prayers for the Christian holidays…and prayers for Holy Communion, baptism, marriage, death, and burial. These prayers are based on scripture…and there is even a whole section devoted to the Psalms.

I am going to keep this little book handy for times when I could use a specific prayer. At the same time, I am going to refer often to the invocation that Jesus taught us (which is also presented in “The Book of Common Prayer.”) In the five petitions listed in today’s scripture passage, Jesus shows us how to ask God for all that we need…to know Him, to set the world right, to keep us fed, to forgive us and help us to forgive others, and to protect us from the cunning deceptions of the devil.

“The Lord’s Prayer” is the perfect outline for our petitions to God. If we use it as a guide, we will “cover all the bases” as we talk to Him each day. This is not to say that we are never to engage in a more simple conversation with our Heavenly Father…or that quick prayers for help – or offered in thanksgiving – are out of order. No matter how you pray, God will hear you, if you are humble and sincere. Pray expectantly…and remember to leave pauses to listen for God’s answers!

We know prayer works, but many of us feel like we need a guideline. Maybe this is why thousands of books have been written about prayer! If “The Book of Common Prayer” is too “stuffy” for you, ask God to lead you to another collection that speaks your language. A deep and abiding prayer life takes practice. And there is no better time and place to begin than this day – with the perfect prayer I have shared from Jesus Christ himself…“Our Father, which art in heaven…”

©2021 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 24, 2021 – Calling on the strength of Christ Jesus…nothing is impossible for God!

Luke 1:37
Nothing is impossible for God!”

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Greg and I watched the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church service on television yesterday with Grandma. The entire service was holy and spirit-filled, as we celebrated Pentecost Sunday – the day Christ’s church was filled with the Holy Spirit. We were reminded to come together as a community of believers to worship and serve Jesus Christ – and to recognize the power of His Holy Spirit in our own lives. Cindy Burns, the Minister to Children and Families, delivered a devotional she had prepared for children. However, it spoke to “kids” of all ages, as she referenced Philippians 4:13…“for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.”(TLB) Burns pointed out that Jesus will help us with whatever we face. She noted that there are times we think we cannot do something…that it is simply too big or too difficult. We are nervous, fearful, and apprehensive. And she noted that all we have to do is call on Jesus. He will give us strength and courage for whatever is before us. The message of our scripture from Luke 1…“Nothing is impossible for God!”…goes hand-in-hand with the Apostle Paul’s words to the Philippians.

The message yesterday may not have resonated with children as much as it did with me. There have been some things that I’ve stewed over lately (and yes, I know it’s a ridiculous waste of time) that I know Jesus will help me do. We all have moments when we feel like something is too much – or we simply don’t have the mental and physical energy to handle the task at hand. This is when we need to recognize the presence of Jesus. He is by our side, holding our hand – or sometimes even carrying us in His arms. Jesus is saying, “We will do this together…and I will handle the heavy lifting.”

I don’t know what is happening in your life today…what tasks, worries and burdens lie before you. I don’t know if you are healthy or sick…happy or hurting…hungry or fed (mentally, physically and spiritually), young or old, wealthy or impoverished. I just know that nothing is impossible for God, and Jesus can strengthen and empower us to do everything God has put before us.

It took a children’s sermon to get me back on track with this mindset. Maybe my sharing of this experience is what you need to renew your dependency on Christ, as well. My prayer is that we would all begin to acknowledge that nothing is impossible for God…and to call on the strength and power of His Only Son, Jesus Christ, to help us with every thought, word and action. And let’s remember to be thankful and grateful for these amazing gifts. Nothing is impossible for God, and Christ Jesus will give us strength to do all things. Hallelujah…and Amen!

©2021 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 23, 2021 – Stay in touch with the Holy Spirit – and learn to stay in your lane!

Jude 1:17-23
Dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ told you, that in the last times there would come these scoffers whose whole purpose in life is to enjoy themselves in every evil way imaginable. They stir up arguments; they love the evil things of the world; they do not have the Holy Spirit living in them.

But you, dear friends, must build up your lives ever more strongly upon the foundation of our holy faith, learning to pray in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit.

Stay always within the boundaries where God’s love can reach and bless you. Wait patiently for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt. Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them, but be careful that you yourselves aren’t pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

In the last couple of days, I have noticed a couple of local squabbles play out on Facebook. One post was initiated by someone up for a fight and looking to “stir up arguments.” The other was an honest question that went sideways as people weighed in with their opinions about anything and everything – most of it unrelated to the initial question. They simply wanted to argue and air personal grievances in a public forum.

There is a lot of this these days, and the temptation is great to wade into the middle and speak one’s mind! But often, all we do is raise our own blood pressure and cause more harm than good. In my mind, rare is the person who can rationally, logically and CALMLY present a counter to some of these comments…and I truly don’t know why they dare to try! This never seems to end well.

Do you hear the message of this passage in Jude? Stay in your lane! Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask God to fill you with love, grace and mercy…and a hefty dose of resolve and reserve! Do not get pulled into needless arguments or sinful behaviors out of raw emotion. Ask God to help you keep your feelings in check – and to always speak and act with the wisdom and power of His Holy Spirit. And leave the controversial posts on social media to those who enjoy that type of dishonest hysteria. The more often faithful Christians steep themselves in prayer and take the high road, the more it will become evident who is perpetuating such nonsense!

Now more than ever, we need to stay in close communion with the Holy Spirit, through prayer and a sincere quest to operate in God’s will – in all things and at all times. Make this the day you spend some time with Him and ask about “next steps”…then do all you can to stick to the plan! Be grateful and thankful that God loves you enough to send His Holy Spirit to guide and guard you…and do everything you can to protect and nurture this relationship, for His glory.

©2021 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 22, 2021 – Finding joy in God’s answers…and “living” for the joys of Heaven!

John 16:21-24
“When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, there’s no getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory of the pain. The sadness you have right now is similar to that pain, but the coming joy is also similar. When I see you again, you’ll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you. You’ll no longer be so full of questions.

“This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I’ve revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he’ll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Last November, when my sister died suddenly, I remember sitting on her front porch. The sun was shining on this beautiful fall day, and the children were nestled into the porch chair with me. For a few hours, all bets were off about social distancing, as Greg and I did what we could (while wearing our masks) to comfort our niece and her children. As I sat there, numb with shock, I thought about Heaven – and how my sister had instantly experienced more joy and beauty than we will ever imagine. Every worry or heartache she ever had was immediately gone. Every question was answered…every battle was won. For all the beauty that I was seeing around me, I knew it paled in comparison to the glories of Heaven. And this gave me great comfort.

As I read this passage, I immediately thought of several loved ones who suffered greatly before their passing. I thought of friends and family members with cancer whose last days on this earth were truly agonizing. I thought of those for whom the challenges of life on this earth were too much, so they took their own lives. I thought about those for whom every day was a struggle, for some reason – and stresses both real and imagined took a toll on their ability to truly enjoy this earthy life.

And then I pictured them all in Heaven…where joy came instantly – and in incomprehensible abundance. I thought of how all the agony and frustration of this earth were immediately wiped away…and continual elation now overflows like a flooded river. I thought of all the answers that have come to each and every one of their questions.

I also thought of how Jesus endured agony on this earth, so that He could demonstrate to us that we will never go through anything that He doesn’t completely understand – and has not experienced firsthand. And because of Jesus and His sacrifices, we can call on God and expect answers, when we ask in the name of our precious Savior. I am not saying that we can say, “In the name of Jesus, I ask You for a new car” and expect to get one. But if we are truly in need of transportation to get to work and provide for our family – and to serve in God’s missions and ministries – we can ask for His help. Tone and intention matter, especially when we are talking to God. When we ask for things in humble respect, and according to His will, He is always ready to provide.

Grief comes in waves, and it is natural. The least little thing can put me back to a momentary time of extreme heartache and loss. But when I think of all the gain – and how incredibly happy my loved ones must be in the literal glory of God – the sorrow is wiped away and replaced with immense joy for each of them (and maybe just a tinge of jealousy).

I have questions…and I know that you do, as well. And we will have answers someday when God calls us to Heaven. Meanwhile, we have work to do! Our job is to stay in constant communication with God…to humbly petition Him for answers that fit into His plans…and to celebrate the joy and delight that He has given to those who are with Him in Heaven already. We will see them again someday – and our joy will be just as great. The struggles and challenges of this life are fleeting and temporary. Overflowing, never-ending joy awaits all who call on the LORD with humble obedience and faith. Alleluia, and Amen!

©2021 Debbie Robus