If We Believe It

”And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Life can be so full of pains and problems it causes us to wonder if God is ‘up there’ or if He even cares. But in our prolonged hardships we need to settle on this truth - God is always working for our good - and He always will!

“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

Just as life is hard, we also have continuing needs. Sure, we work and try to earn enough to help meet them, and sometimes we fall short. But God’s goodness never runs dry. He promises to meet all our needs, and He always will.

“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

The truth is, our struggles and shortages are not a problem to God. His power and resources know no limits. The Lord is for us and He will never let us down with anything we could possibly face. Because of this, we can take joy…

You can't let God down because your not holding Him up.

IN WHAT WE SEE…

”When He came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” Luke 19:37-38

We have many reasons for joy - they begin & end with God. At Jesus’ triumphal entry, the crowd joyfully praised Him because they had seen His miracles. This is great, but how much better to joyfully praise Jesus even when we do not see any? The power of the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit is it’s not based on feelings or circumstances. True joy is always a decision. So, we can choose joy regardless of the current events because we know the Lord is with us. His presence is the joy in our present.

BUT ALSO IN WHO WE KNOW.

”…For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God…” Hebrews 12:2

Jesus was well aware what awaited Him on the cross - it was the worst possible death. But He could look past what was about to come, because He knew what would eventually be. Joy is always tied to hope (the good to come), and allows us to celebrate the victory before it is clearly visible. The reason is joy is based on faith. Because of Jesus, we too can endure the worst life throws at us. So we take joy, not in what has occurred, or is occurring, but in who we know - the Holy Spirit, our source of joy.