I think back over that time and the last three years, with utter joy and thankfulness in my heart. God brought us through everything, never leaving us alone, strengthening us, growing us and illuminating His Word to us more through His Spirit, teaching us to love Him and each other more, as our focus shifted to be more Christ centered. To be more Christ centered means to have a clearer understanding of what it is that He accomplished on the cross for me, which puts every little (or big) problem in perspective. It also means to apply Christ's work more practically to life - to view every situation through the lens of the Cross. Is it really possible to rejoice every day in your salvation - without faking it?
But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. (Ps 13:5)
Yes, I will have to say, a big and resounding definite YES! Because it is a free gift that I did not deserve and that I cannot take any credit for, it is mere grace. It is also something that I could not ever earn despite my best efforts, even if I tried. To have my sins forgiven and have Christ's righteousness imputed to me, is an inexhaustible source of joy! Do you know why Christ came, why He had to die or what exactly He accomplished?
True riches is something money can't buy, and death can't steal.
This does not imply that mini joys and disappointments don't affect me. Off course it does. But these are temporary and has no effect on the real source of my eternal joy. Tears are never really far from me. But the sadness of yesterday or the uncertainties of the future cannot take away this joy. Neither can any possible future blessing add anything to the joy of my salvation. It is finished! 100% complete! It is settled in my heart and sealed by the Holy Spirit. In Christ, I have indeed received every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3-14). If you struggle with this (which we all do), you need to, with God's help, learn to focus more on Jesus and what He did than on yourself and your problems. Study Jesus' redemptive work to give more substance to your understanding of this free gift, and hence result in a) a realization of your sin and need for a Saviour or b) more love and thankfulness toward Christ and c) more daily joy despite your circumstances because of what you've received!
Have a blessed day everybody.
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| I decided to add this picture that I took today - I planted this rose in remembrance of Tabitha about 2 years ago. With perfect timing it surprised me with its first spring bloom! Miss you too little girl! Ps. it is a miniature rose called 'Jadine'. This rose reminded me of Tabitha - tiny, girly, perfect and beautiful. It was aptly named by Ludwig's Roses to raise money for a sick baby - another good reason I chose it! |
