Today’s reading is about encouragement vs. discouragement. As the author says, it is easy to say the world is a mess, or even that my life is a mess or point to other Christians and be critical of their shortcomings and failures. While the mess is there and watching the news can be a huge downer, Jesus says:
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (James 1:2–4)Some measure personal focus by a glass; is it half-full or half-empty? Others are either on or off, up or down, hopeful or downcast. We tend to be creatures of extremes. Yet I find that it is possible, in Christ, to be both at the same time. As a follower of Jesus, I can experience emotions opposite of what is normal for the events of life. For instance:
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2–4)
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials. (1 Peter 1:6)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:7–8)
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)The negatives (or what I would normally think of as negative) are trials, grief, weakness, and losses, each having many variations. But in Christ there is an ability and a privilege to experience peace, hope, joy, a sense of God’s goodness and purpose, a deeper knowledge of Christ, even a different kind of grief at the death of loved ones. Jesus makes a difference.
In considering the whys and how’s of that difference, it seems mostly to be an eternal perspective, the opposite of “I want it fixed — now!” Trials produce patient steadfastness. I notice it when I am making a quilt. I used to grumble when a mistake had to be ripped out, but now think of it as part of the job and patiently pick out the erring stitches.
Weakness was also a pain, a kick to my pride, my desire to do all things well, not being unable in any way. The idea of being unable, or lacking power, or having some sort of impediment was not appealing, never mind a reason to boast, but God is teaching me that I am merely a limp and useless glove without His hand to move me… and to be glad about it, even boast that I’m only a hand.
I’ve lost much, everything from interests, opportunities, abilities, and most of all, family and friends. We have family that never return our calls, and family whose life was snuffed out way too soon. Grief happens, but in the grief, faith in the will and power of God sustains in ways that are unexplainable. He changes grief with His comfort becoming a fortress.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4–7)PRAY: Yes, these things surpass understanding, yet Jesus, You are there in all of it and with me to make life an adventure and a joy, even with the struggles and mysteries of living it. Bless You always!
