The believer can be a walking advertisement for the blessings of having Christ at our side, through both the good and the bad times. We are going to walk through valleys. We are going to find ourselves wandering in the wilderness. Paul is writing from prison. Even so, he is encouraging the followers of Jesus Christ in all things and at all times, good and bad to rejoice. How is that possible?
Unlike those who have not taken hold of the garment of Christ trusting Him as Savior, we have the ear of God through Him who died for us. Though we walk in those days of wilderness and sorrow, stumbling, tearful, frantic, desperate, seeing no hope for future joys…Christ is walking with us. His unseen arms of love and compassion are around us. He does not walk with us as an uninvited guest. But we are assured that He walks with the one who believes.
Thought For Today:
There is a difference in the joy of a believer and the joy of one who does not know Jesus. I can make that statement because I have lived on both sides of the fence. There was a time that I had not accepted Christ. There is a difference in knowing who Jesus was and “knowing” Jesus died for “my” sins. I remember after forty-seven years, the moment that I just laid my defences down and said I am done wandering in this wilderness alone. Any joy I found outside of Christ was not lasting. I would have to learn as a young believer that my days of wandering were not over just because I had accepted Christ. Far from it. For once we have made known our allegiance to Christ the enemy of the world now has a goal. He will try everything he can to turn us away from Christ and back to his evil world. The difference is we now have Christ walking with us. We have communion with Him moment to moment through prayer discussions with Him. He is our shelter. It is written:
Psalm 91:4
4 He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. (NKJV)
Just speaking the name of Jesus, sends the enemy and his workers fleeing for the corners of the world. They try to create havoc for His children but they fear Him. So, whatever is going on in your life, Christ is walking with you. He will prevail. We know how this story began and we know how it ends. He wins! And because He wins, we have victory too! So rejoice and again rejoice!
Scripture For Today:
Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV)
James 2:19
19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! (NKJV)
Prayer For Today:
Hello Father! Thank You for the blessing of joy! Though we walk at times through the wilderness of sorrow our Shepherd goes before us calling to us with a voice only we can hear. He leads us from seasons of sorrow to rejoicing. At the name of Jesus, our demons flee. We pray for prayerful contact daily, making our needs known and resting in Your peace as You work things out for our good. Forgive us our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.