Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

Where to Find a Never Failing Sense of Security

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Psalm 20:7 “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.”

Dear Kids,

Where to find a never failing sense of security.

Emily and our Tennessee Walking horse, Sonny!

Where do you go to find safety and security? Many of us turn to friends, parents, or counselors, for comfort and wisdom in times of distress. Others rely on their bank account or their connections with rich or important people to create a sense of confidence or procure help in time of need. God has given us all of these blessings for companionship, love, and support during difficult times, but sometimes we forget that our greatest source of help and protection comes from God Himself.

Some Think Military Status Ensures Safety

In ancient times kings measured the strength of their armies by the number of their horses and chariots. The more they had, the safer they felt. Today nations are no different. The status of the military often determines the perceived security a country feels. During the 1980s when I was a young teenager I remember that our nation participated in an arms race with the Soviet Union. Presidents have emphasized the importance and necessity of a strong military and weapon system to keep ahead of other countries. By staying on top our government believed they could much better ensure the safety of our country and citizens.

A strong military is important, but even the strongest can’t protect against surprise assaults such as occurred on September 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center was attacked. No one knew this atrocity was coming and the people of the United States suffered huge losses in lives, businesses, buildings, and normalcy. Our sense of safety crumbled with the debris from the twin towers as they collapsed onto the New York City streets.

God is Our Constant Source of Help and Security

David, the writer of Psalm 20 was a powerful king. He had many enemies and participated in numerous wars. But this godly monarch recognized that the number of generals, horses, chariots and weapons he had could never be his source of security. His boast was only in the name of the Lord, His God. God delivered him from the fearsome giant, Goliath, when he carried only a sling and a stone. God protected him from the life-threatening schemes of jealous King Saul. And God would be David’s constant source of help and security throughout his whole life.

On what do you rely for safety and security? Is it your family, your finances, your country’s military, or your own ingenuity? None of these are failsafe. Like King David we must recognize that our boast should not be in all the people and earthly support systems we have at our disposal. Do not boast in horses or chariots. Instead boast of the security found in the name of the Lord, your God.

Love,

Mama

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Is God Really in Control?

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Jeremiah 5:22-23 “’Do you not fear Me?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do you not tremble in My presence? For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, an eternal decree, so it cannot cross over it. Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail; though they roar, yet they cannot cross over it. But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; they have turned aside and departed.’”

Dear Kids:

Photo by Tyler Penner on Unsplash

Is God really in control? This is an age-old question recently asked again in light of devastating news events. The answer is yes, but there’s more to the question than meets the eye. 

God Controls the Ocean Waves

As a child I loved to watch the rolling waves hit the Jersey shore in a rhythmic pattern. Over and over the surf swept up onto the beach and then returned to its watery home. I would stand near the edge waiting for it to come and then try to race up higher onto the beach before it could catch me. Always the breakers pursued me for a certain distance, but then they grew tired and receded back into the ocean.

I had no idea what kept the waves from encompassing the whole beach, but the Bible gives insight into this phenomenon. The prophet Jeremiah explains that the Lord placed the sand as a boundary for the sea and gave an eternal decree that the waves cannot cross over. Though they toss and roar they obey the Creator’s laws. They do not go beyond where they are allowed.

Jeremiah Contrasts the Mighty Sea With God’s People

Jeremiah contrasted the mighty sea with God’s own people. Powerful waves that in one fell swoop could wash away entire towns obey the Creator and submissively return in accordance with the Master’s word. Yet humans, made in the image of God and personally chosen to bear His image to the world, often have no fear of the Almighty and refuse to obey His laws. These ones foolishly ignore what is true and show no respect to the One Who halts the mighty ocean with only a beach of fine quartz particles.

The people of Jeremiah’s day used their fellow man for personal gain. They excelled in deeds of wickedness and ignored the cries of the poor, the widow, and the orphan. Their prophets prophesied falsely; their priests ruled on their own authority, and all the people applauded. This is the way they wanted to live life.

But are we any better?

Is God Really in Control?

The recent shootings in El Paso and closer to my home in Dayton, Ohio, reveal that man’s heart is still far from God. We ignore God’s priority of protecting life and instead take life for no apparent reason. Anger, greed, and desire for revenge build up, finally culminating in disaster where many pay the consequences.

Is God really in control? He dominates the waves of the ocean, so why doesn’t He stop these horrible things? Doesn’t He care? He cares deeply but has given humans a free will. Sadly, unlike the ocean waves, we have chosen to rebel. All of the tragedies we suffer on this earth result from sin that entered the world when the first humans chose to disobey.

But there is hope! The Lord is still in control, and in time He will make all things right. Through Jesus Christ God has opened a way to restore all we have lost due to our sin natures and disobedience.

Those who embrace God’s gift of salvation receive a new heart and are delivered from the dominion of sin. For them there is a day coming when there will be no more rebellion, no more devastating shootings, no more tears or crying. In that day all creation will rejoice. Every knee will bow before the Creator. And all humanity, like the waves of the sea, will finally understand the fear of the Lord.

Love,
Mama

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My Shiny New Stove and Its Inner Workings

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1 Chronicles 28:9 “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him he will reject you forever.”

Dear Kids:

My heart dropped as I processed the bad news. After five months of living in a home disrupted by a January frozen pipe disaster, we were finally making headway on the kitchen remodel. The new appliances had arrived and I was excited for another step towards normalcy in our daily routine. But there was a problem! The bright, new, shiny stove fit snugly into its spot, but I couldn’t use it. Unbeknownst to me gas stoves fueled by propane need different parts than ones fueled by natural gas . . . and this stove had not been converted!

The Inner Workings of a Stove Matter

I immediately called the retailer where we had bought the stove to voice my frustration and was met with incredulity. “How could you not know you have propane? Don’t you have a tank in the back of your house?” the merchant scolded. Desperately, I tried to explain that I knew we employed propane fuel. But I had no idea there was any difference in a propane or natural gas stove.  If the outside looked good to me I just pushed a button, opened the door, and slid in the cake! The inner workings made no difference to me. But apparently now I knew they were crucial.

It’s not just the inner workings of gas stoves that are important. The inner character of individuals trumps all that we see on the outside.  Yet, we tend to judge people by the things we can observe without any real idea what is going on inside them. A shy, introverted individual may be judged as haughty or self-absorbed while they are really just timid and uncomfortable in their own skin. On the other hand, a charismatic and outgoing person may be estimated to be trustworthy while their sociable personality just masks a lack of integrity and ethics. It is dangerous to judge people only by their shiny exteriors.

God is Not Fooled By Polished Exteriors

King David gave some wise advise to his son, Solomon. “My Son, serve the Lord with your all your heart and mind, for the Lord knows if you are not genuine. He searches every heart and understands your thoughts and intentions. If you seek Him wholeheartedly you will find Him. But if you reject Him no amount of polished exterior will hide the truth and He will reject you.”

My new range appears quite sharp nestled between our rich cherry cabinets, but for all of its shiny exterior it will be useless until it is converted to be propane safe. I don’t believe I will make this mistake again.

I now know that the inner workings of stoves, like the inner traits of people, are what really matter. While I may not always fully understand the mechanics of either, nothing is hidden from God. He comprehends every thought and intention of the heart and outward trappings never take Him by surprise . . . not even the shiny exterior of a spanking brand new stove!

Love,
Mama

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The Resurrection – Life Giving, Life Changing, Incomparable Power

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Ephesians 1:18-20 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms . . .”

The wind howled in the night sky shaking the metal roof panels above my bedroom that separated me from its fury. I shivered and pulled the covers up higher contemplating the awesome strength that swirled and whipped menacingly outside my window.

What fearsome power!!!

I prayed the left front portion of the roof of our tall farmhouse would hold – the part that already had a leak apparent by the water stains on Abigail’s bedroom ceiling. “We should have had that fixed already, ”I lamented, feeling quite helpless!

My sleep-deprived stream of thought, propelled by desperate prayer, suddenly shifted to another source of power. The Easter season upon us reminded me of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The Creator of these raging winds outside the window harnessed even greater power when He awakened the lifeless body of His Son Who lay in the grave for three long days. Jesus Christ arose a victor over death itself and through faith all those who are spiritually dead can receive everlasting abundant life.

Now that is awesome power!!!

Not only this, the Apostle Paul prayed that God would reveal to all believers the access to this incredible power they inherit when they receive Christ as Savior. Paul deeply desired that God’s children know the incomparably great power of God– the very same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him with God in heavenly places – in their lives. Through prayer and the Holy Spirit’s working we receive whatever we need for life and godliness. We have a place to go with our concerns and a way to influence the lives of those around us who are suffering or still spiritually dead in their sins. We have access to the throne of God’s grace at every moment of the day or night.

The screaming winds, hoping to influence my now settling thoughts, taunted me even more by flinging the kitchen storm door against the adjacent window ledge with a loud crash. But somehow I didn’t feel as afraid. Nature’s fearful tantrum certainly had the strength to rattle our old house, but I found myself wrapped in peaceful comfort. Christ rose from the dead and the same incomparable power that brought Him out of the grave hovered, waiting for me to access it by faith.

I closed my eyes and one by one began to bring all my cares and concerns before the throne of God’s grace – the leaking roof, my grieving friends, my struggling neighbors – I confidently petitioned God on behalf of them all and felt certain that He would hear and powerfully answer.

Now THAT is life changing, life-giving, incomparable power!

Love,

Mama

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Trusting God When You Don’t Understand

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Daniel 3:17-18 “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Bart Sheridan’s induction into the Ohio Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame – January 2019

Dear Kids:

Things are not always as they seem. Human nature causes most of us to interpret each circumstance through the funnel of our own understanding, and we make judgments based on our limited knowledge. This is a natural tendency in a world of untrustworthy people. The only way to navigate past these biases and feel safe is to understand Who has complete control of all of life and to fully trust Him.

Keeping a Secret From Dad

For the past few months you kids and I, along with a few select friends, have harbored a special secret. We knew that at the January Ohio Auctioneers Association Conference Dad was going to receive the prestigious recognition of being inducted into the Ohio Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame.

Hidden emails and texts flew between those of us who were planning the event as we gathered information, put together a slide show of pictures, and relayed arrival information for surprise guests. All the while Dad was in the dark about this coming honor and life went on as usual . . . until the day before the event.

I had just texted Uncle Matt some information about the guests’ arrival when Dad asked to use my phone because his was low on battery. I knew I couldn’t give him my device or he might see the secret messages. So in a very unusual manner I abruptly ran out of the room and quickly deleted the texts before coming back and handing him the cleared phone.

I could tell Dad was a little taken aback by my strange exit, but thankfully he didn’t ask any questions and knew me well enough not to make any wrong assumptions. It wasn’t until the next day when he received the award that he realized why I had acted so strangely. Things were not what they may have seemed to be.

Three Young Men Trust God

Three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced a strange turn of events, when they were taken from their homes into Babylonian captivity. This strange and distressing twist of life’s circumstances likely caused them to wonder about the God to Whom they belonged. Wasn’t He stronger than the king of Babylon? If so, why would He allow these devastating events into their lives?

But things were not as they seemed. And Instead of abandoning the God of their youth, these young men chose to trust Him fully even when they didn’t understand. When King Nebuchadnezzar made a law that everyone must worship the golden image he created or else be thrown into a fiery furnace they refused to bow. Their brave words became a testimony to their great faith.

They knew to Whom they belonged and trusted Him despite all that was happening. God honored their faith and walked with them through the blazing flames.

Trusting God When You Don’t Understand

Each of us will also face times when we don’t understand what life has thrown at us. It may seem that God is acting strangely or may have even disappeared. These distressing times may even cause us to doubt His love, goodness, and power. But don’t lose heart! Things are not as they seem!

The God Who walked with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego through the flames will walk with you through your difficulties too. Don’t allow your limited understanding to shape your responses. Instead stake your life on His faithfulness and trust Him fully. He will never let you down!

Love,

Mama

An Important Missed Detail

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Luke 1:13 “But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.

Have you ever noticed how you can get so fixated on one thing that you miss something really important?

Exciting News for an Elderly Priest

Zechariah was an elderly priest. When his priestly division was on temple duty, his name was chosen by lot to burn incense before the Lord. During his service, Gabriel, an angel of the Lord, appeared to him and proclaimed exciting news: his prayer had been answered! His wife, Elizabeth, would become pregnant with a son whom they were to name John.

The angel went on to explain that  the Holy Spirit would fill this boy from birth and would bring many of the Jewish people back to the Lord their God. In the spirit and power of Elijah, John would turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous. This would all occur to make the people ready for the Messiah to come.

This news flabbergasted Zechariah. He and Elizabeth were very old and past the years of child-bearing. So he questioned the angel in disbelief. His mind was focused only on the seeming impossibility of a physical birth. Gabriel assured Zechariah that the words were true, but proclaimed that because of his unbelief he would not be able to speak until the child was born. Zechariah returned home after his job was done. Sure enough, as prophesied Elizabeth became pregnant.

Answered Prayer and an Important Missed Detail

I can only imagine how many years this couple had talked and prayed about having a child. Each passing month produced fresh disappointment and the decades rolled by. So when the angel gave Zechariah the incredible news of the soon coming birth, the tiny baby boy was all he could think about. It seemed impossible to him, though as a priest he must have known it was not impossible. Hadn’t he heard the stories of Abraham and Sarah and how God had given them a son in their old age?

The really impossible part was what God would do through this child! He would use him to soften the hard hearts of men and turn them back to God. Romans 3:10 states, “As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. Yet, despite the impossibility of humans seeking after God, through John’s ministry hearts of stone would be softened to hearts of flesh to respond to the coming Messiah.

Zechariah Sees the Even Greater Miracle

It seems that during the nine months of silent waiting Zechariah had much time to think. When the long-awaited baby finally arrived, this joyful father sang a song of praise. But the theme of the lyrics was not about the impossibility of an older person giving birth. Instead this song focused on the really important part: God would redeem His people from their sin and rescue them from their enemies. This precious little child, John, would give the people the knowledge of salvation through God’s forgiveness, which would miraculously prepare their hearts for the coming Savior. His physical life would prepare others for spiritual life in Christ.

What are you fixated on this Christmas season? Could it be that the thing you have prayed for the most has blinded you to God’s even grander idea? Open your heart and mind so you don’t miss any important details of what God is doing and has done. What you find might surprise you!

Love,
Mama

Read Zachariah’s song of praise here.

A Hidden Display of Impeccable Character

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2 Peter 1:5-7 “Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.” 

Dear Kids:

A True Test of Character

John Wooden, one time head coach at UCLA, said, “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are . . . the true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.”

I pulled up to the drive-through window at the bank, opened my window and slid my deposits into the plastic tube. That’s when I noticed her. Sitting in a sedan in the next lane sat a woman who looked to be in her 60s. She was waiting for the teller to send her banking paperwork back through the tunnel system to her car. While most people sit and wait quietly, this lady was very obviously listening to her favorite tunes. Though I couldn’t hear the music I could tell because her head was bobbing and her mouth was moving. Every once in a while she would break out into a car-sitting dance move. I couldn’t help but chuckle as I wondered if this young at heart grandma had any idea someone was watching!

The kinds of things you do when no one else is around are the very things that paint the real picture of who you are. Some look over their shoulder before scrolling through pornography on the web. Others may take something that is not theirs or cheat on a test or their taxes. Yet there are many who pick up trash because it needs to be done or who help someone in need without any thought for reward.

Diligent Faith Promotes Moral Character

Peter explains that those who belong to Christ have everything necessary – namely the very nature of God Himself – to escape the corruption of the world. Diligent faith promotes moral excellence, which leads to knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. These character qualities continue to increase as one grows in the knowledge of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Living in light of these, even when no one is watching, keeps one free from stumbling and sin.

Most people don’t do certain things when they think others are watching – singing and car-dancing while waiting at the bank drive-through might be some of these behaviors. But how you respond in all areas of life when you are alone really is the true test of your character. And it may also be an indicator of whether or not you truly are one of God’s children.

Love,
Mama

God’s Terms of Endearment

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Zechariah 2:8 For thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘After glory He has sent Me against the nations which plunder you, for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.’” 

Dear Kids:

Dad and Sweet Abigail (otherwise known as Princess Cherry Blossom) – 2002

Have you ever noticed how people tend to give nicknames to those they love? Sweetheart, Darling, Precious, and Honey are some of these most common terms of endearment. Other times people craft fun or special names, which are meaningful and fitting for a certain individual. We have a number of those in our family. Just ask our sweet Abigail, whose older sister Emily dubbed her at birth Princess Cherry Blossom. Each pet name demonstrates how much we love the person so named.

God’s Terms of Endearment

God also has terms of endearment for those He loves. God’s people had gone through a very difficult period of time. They had spent years under the bondage of foreign nations. They brought this captivity on themselves because they turned away from God and broke His covenant with them. In wisdom God allowed them to be punished for their disloyalty by these foreign nations. But as with any good parent, God never stopped loving His children. He brought about their punishment for the purpose of getting their attention and drawing them back into relationship with Himself.

The prophet Zechariah delivered God’s call to repentance and promise of deliverance to Jerusalem and the cities of Judah. “Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and Zion.’” The nation of Israel was special and loved, nicknamed the apple of God’s eye, and He was angry at the foreign nations. They had been called to punish His wayward people but they wanted to go beyond God’s intention. They planned to annihilate His special nation, and this was unacceptable!

God pledged that He would be a protective wall of fire around Jerusalem and that His glory would fill the city. He would go after the enemy nations with a vengeance because no one could touch His loved ones without His permission.

God’s redeemed people are one in Christ

Today God loves those who belong to Him as much as He loves the nation of Israel. In fact, God sees all people who are in Christ, whether Jew or Gentile, as His one redeemed people. Ephesians 2:13-14 says, “But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace who made both groups (Jew and Gentiles) into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall. . .”

That means that we also acquire His special terms of endearment. We are deeply loved by Almighty God, and also called the “apple of His eye.” He is concerned about all that happens to us. He lovingly blesses us, disciplines us, provides for us, and protects us. No one can harm us without His permission. We are His and He is ours.

Have you grown up with a special nickname? Are you someone’s Honey, Sweetheart, Darling, or Princess Cherry Blossom? Regardless, if you are one of God’s children you are deeply loved. And those who touch you touch the “apple of His eye”.

Love,

Mama

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The Best Part of You is Who Lives Inside!

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2 Corinthians 4:7 “But this precious treasure – this light and power that now shine within us – is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own.” (NLT)

 “The best part of you is who you are inside!”

2013-06-19_15-25-25_833This was the saying on my childhood bedroom wall poster featuring a hen talking to a hatching chick. The words were a comforting reminder to a gangly teenager suffering the physical effects of changing from a child into an adult – my inner beauty was most important.

The poster was talking about the essence of who a person is – his or her personality, thoughts, feelings, and attitudes. These are the qualities that define a person’s life, not the outward flaws that many teenagers experience. But for a Christian there is an even greater meaning to these words.

Contained within our physical frame is a great treasure worth more than all the riches the world has to offer. For those who know Jesus Christ as their Savior, the light and power of His presence shine within us. God’s very own Spirit reflects the glory of God in and through us. He works in us, making us more and more like Him. As we grow spiritually we reflect His presence more every day.

Not only do we have God’s power available to free us from our sinful lifestyles, but we also have His power to convince others that the message of God’s salvation is available for them, too. God takes our imperfect efforts to reach others and powerfully uses them to make a difference to those around us. We do not rely on our own abilities. We are not the Creator of the light, but only carriers of it.

God put these precious treasures inside our weak bodies so that everyone can see that what we possess is not from us but from God. When we persevere through troubles and our human frailties are put to the test, we can still be victorious because of God’s strength within us. His power to prevail is like a bright light shining from the inside of a fragile jar. The jar isn’t what is important; the important part is what it contains. Those around us will wonder how we can survive the trials of life and we can give God the glory for our success.

Even in the face of death we will still win. Our momentary trials will only last for a short time, but our eternal destiny in heaven with Christ is secure because of His life that lives within us.

The teenage years fly by and the raging hormones that wreak havoc on the physical body settle down. But as time passes, age causes other ailments that affect the human shell we all live in. It could be discouraging but doesn’t need to be. God’s truth can fill us with hope and comfort as we are reminded that the trials will soon pass, but the joy they produce will last forever.

I think if I were to hang that poster on my wall today, I would want it to say,

“The best part of you is Who lives inside!”

Love,

Mama

 

 

Can You Find Joy?

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Philippians 1:3-6 “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

From the time I was young I always loved words. Some of my favorite games to play were Scrabble and Boggle. I love learning new vocabulary and discovering meanings. Words are like keys that unlock understanding.

There are many key words in the Bible. Joy is one that keeps popping up over and over again. Though joy may be an easy find in the game of Boggle it is not so easy to find when it comes to life experiences. The Bible states that joy should characterize the life of a Christian. It is a gift of God and a fruit of the Holy Spirit. We are supposed to find it in the midst of trials and the joy of the Lord is to give us strength. Why then are so many of God’s people devoid of this important key word?

While reading my Bible the other day I came across another word that I believe holds the key to unlocking the experience of joy in our lives.

Confidence is another word laced throughout the Apostle Paul’s writings. He often speaks of joy and confidence together. As I highlighted these words in my Bible, a light bulb suddenly flipped on in my mind. The ability to have joy despite our circumstances depends upon where we place our confidence.

People who have confidence don’t tend to become bothered by things. Yet as Christians our confidence is not to be in ourselves but in God. “Such confidence we have through Christ our God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God”(1 Cor. 3:4-5).

The confidence that Paul speaks about is not a good feeling about ourselves, but a complete assurance that God has everything in our lives under control. How then do we gain this confidence, which unlocks our joy? It comes from truly knowing God’s identity, God’s heart, and God’s power.

God’s Identity:
God is our Creator and heavenly Father. He is characterized by infinite attributes such as self-existence, self-sufficiency, unchangeableness, all seeing, complete wisdom, omniscience, and omnipresence to name a few. He is the giver of grace and peace, for all who receive Him as their Lord and Savior (Phil 1:2).

God’s Heart: He loved the world so much that “He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). For those who believe, He begins a good work in their lives that He promises to perfect in the day of Jesus Christ (Phil 1:6).

God’s Power: He is able to accomplish all that He has promised. He is able to take the most difficult of circumstances and turn it around for good. Trials serve to strengthen our faith and spread God’s plan of salvation. Paul was able to see this clearly even in the middle of his unjust imprisonment. His trial turned out for the greater progress of the salvation message. Many people, including his prison guards, heard the gospel and trusted in Christ. His imprisonment also served to give the other Christians courage to speak the word of God without fear (Phil 1:12-14).

So if we want to experience joy in our lives, then we, just like Paul, must be fully persuaded of Who God is. We must be assured of the unfailing tenderness of His loving heart. And we must have complete confidence in His power to accomplish all that He sets out to do.

If we develop this type of unwavering confidence in our God, then joy, despite our circumstances, will be as easy to find as it is in the game of Boggle.

Love,
Mama