Rejoicing in the Truth

     So many things compete for our attention; house repairs, school lessons, various difficult needs of children and relatives, health… I think of the verse in Romans that speak of creation groaning, “even ourselves who have the Spirit groan within as we eagerly wait for the redemption of our bodies.” Rom. 8:22,23.  I think I have been groaning lately and I am not comfortable with where I have been emotionally, dragging by.

     However, the deep truths of Romans 8 have encouraged me. Verse 24 says, “For we were saved in this hope.” Our adoption and redemption draws nigh! We have this hope! … “If God is for us who can be against us? He who did not spare His own son but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not freely give us all things?” Christ, who is at the “right hand of God, makes intercession for us”. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” … “In all these (difficult) things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us… Nothing can separate us from the love of God!”  So what is my problem?

     It has been difficult to stay ‘up’ all the time like when I was going to Uganda and when we first came back. The battle against us is on. There have been attacks within and without. Day to day work done with asthma, has wearied the body.  It’s been a huge task to prepare the house to sell. There has been delay after crazy delay getting it actually listed. There have been water leaks in the house, break downs with our cars, mower and other equipment.  Some of our children and grandchildren are having tough struggles. The list goes on….

     But, I was reminded that I need to “take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:5. I had ‘let’ the enemy steal my joy. I must “REJOICE in the Lord ALWAYS.” “In the Lord”, means my mood should not depend on my circumstances if God is my center. God is in control and He deserves my praise no matter what. I need to remember the TRUTH of God’s Word; and not just remember in my head alone, but, really Rejoice!

     Make a joyful noise! Get serious about celebrating God! Commemorate His Goodness! “A merry heart is good medicine.” Prov.17:22.  Break the ‘poor me’ attitude and Celebrate all God has done and will yet do!  It is not about us, but GOD! Let Praises Ring!

     Numbers 23:19 says,  “God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” He has spoken to me and He will fulfill His Word.

     God is Faithful. He is in control. I have this hope!  Faith says I have a firm foundation that I can have a confident expectation in. Jesus and His Word are my confidence! Always!

     “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts… and be THANKFUL And let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching, admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual song, singing with JOY in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, GIVING THANKS to God the Father through Him.” Col. 3:15-17

     I hope you have found the Word of God sufficient to met your deepest need. As I read the Bible and write it I get excited. The active power of the Word fills me with more energy then food or anything else ever can. 

     “Your Words were found, and I ate them. And your Word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your Name, O Lord God of Hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16.  "Taste and see that the LORD is Good! Rejoice!"