Be Joyful

I had the privilege of sharing with the Middle school youth tonight at Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ church.  One of the greatest blessings of presenting truth to others is how it stirs one's own heart towards deeper intimacy and trust in God.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I pronounced to the youth tonight that it was my task to make the seemingly impossible--always, continually, in all things--look very possible.  With the significant help of some very committed and loving colleagues known as small group leaders, we engaged the students.

Here are some thoughts from my notes...

Be joyful always.
Looking at David's life, we see an example of thanksgiving and praise that begins with acknowledging the difficulties--the "yuck"--of life.  The writer of at least 150 Psalms was not afraid to disclose his feelings, displeasure, fears, even anger to God regarding life's circumstances.  But he didn't stop there.  He remembered who God was.  And Truth, then, transformed his immediate perspective.  "Why so downcast, O my soul?  Why so discouraged within me?  Put your hope in God."  And he did.

God's economy on difficulty is very different than what our culture suggests, than what our flesh cares to hear.  But Christ-in-Us--the very Spirit of God--rejoices to hear that the testing of our faith develops perseverance, that God works for the good in all things for those that love Him.  Joy stands resilient in the face of adversity.  Joy deems a greater reality than the circumstances that surround us.  "He who is in you is greater than he that is in the world." --1 John 4:4

Pray continually.
I was in Mexico City and stood at the very gate of the Basilica where thousands would end their pilgrimage on bloody hands and knees, crawling all the way to the cathedral doors across the rough stone and rocky paths outside.  I do not think that this is the posture that Paul had in mind when he challenged us to continual prayer.  I propose these thoughts: 

1.  Always be ready and willing to pray with and for those in need
2.  Ask for help when in need
3.  Develop the habit of keeping this question before you throughout the day: "What are you saying/doing today, God?" 

This awareness and readiness to what God is doing in the midst of those around us keeps us listening and interceding as a lifestyle.

Give thanks in all circumstances.
Perhaps this comes full circle, looking a lot like "be joyful always".  David shows us that thanksgiving and praise are the entrance to the place of intimacy with the Almighty, exclaiming, "Enter His gates with thanksgiving; His courts with praise" (Ps. 100:4).

What do we know of God's character that begs our gratitude?  Who are the people He has used to touch our lives over the years?    Reflecting on these and then proclaiming to God our thanksgiving as a regular practice, keeps our hearts full and our humility in tact.  And joy will be the outflow when gratitude paves the way.

I leave us with this thought from Peter... "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." --1 Peter 1:8-9

He Will Do It

"May God himself...sanctify you... May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." --I Thess. 5:23-24

When I was new in my faith (and at times even now), I would read passages like this one and only see the words, "keep yourself blameless to the end" and know that I was totally incapable of this in my own strength. I would get discouraged. I would suck up my determination and try as hard as I could to walk blameless, and then fail in some way.

"He will do it"!

I was missing this key.

I would read Isaiah 30:15, "In repentance and striving will you be saved," when in actuality the text states, "In repentance and rest will you be saved."

My part is to turn. His part is to save, and that work is done. My part is to rest--trust, if you will--in that truth to where it becomes my reality in the inmost parts of my being.

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." --Phil. 1:6

"For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." --Phil. 2:13

He who started this work in me will complete it.

He who lives in me gives me both the desire and the ability to do what He desires.

He will keep me blameless.


In this truth I can rest, assured. In this truth I am free to live a life empowered by His very life in me.