1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
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.
Recently, I shared some sad news with a friend, and she looked at me and said, “Are you all ever going to get some sunshine?” My instant, honest response was, “We have sunshine every day!” In any moment, every single one of us has “something”. I believe that how we respond is in direct correlation to our Christian faith – and our determination to live as someone who belongs to Jesus.
You and I can live like we truly believe in Jesus – and His assurance of a home in heaven for all of Eternity. Or we can show the world that we’re really not all that sure that God exists. That’s really what it boils down to…we either believe in God and trust Him – or we don’t.
I don’t mean to diminish grief, illness, heartaches, and human suffering. These are all very real situations and emotions. God allows us to endure these, because He knows that they strengthen us as His followers. God also knows that when we demonstrate joy and confidence in Him during difficult times, we show others that Satan and the world cannot defeat us. We are destined for greater things…for a seat at the King’s table forever and ever! This is more than enough reason to be cheerful – no matter what!
If you are in a season of sadness, I am so sorry. I pray that God will surround you with His comfort and peace – and fill your heart with hope. I pray that your joy will return quickly as you look for His blessings each and every day. If this is a season of “smooth sailing” for you, thank God for this time of reprieve…and ask Him to build you up for whatever lies ahead. Learn to live so deeply in God’s love and power that nothing can truly get you down. Look for “sunshine” in your life every single day. It is there…even in your worst circumstance.
God never leaves us…but sometimes, we turn our back on Him, if only briefly. Don’t do this. “Come near to God, and He will come near to you.” (James 4:8, CEV) Look for His “sunshine” each and every day. Demonstrate to others how God is always meeting your needs – and mean it! Practice living in the presence and fullness of God’s blessings and care each and every day.
Let others see Jesus in each word and action…and keep pressing forward. Heaven is coming! Let’s start living today like this is where we’re headed!
©2019 Debbie Robus
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