| Original Date: October 21, 2009 |
| Email Subject: It is so good... |
Dear Friends,
Have you noticed that joy, peace, and encouragement seem to be in such short supply around the land today? I sure have, many are dealing with some pretty heavy things personally, while others are weighed down with the pressures of what is going on in the world around them. Many Christ followers do not seem to be able to get on top of either and live in the midst of that which God intended!
I woke up early this morning with a great text on my mind, from Psalm 122:1, "I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord." The more I ponder/chew on this text the more I see that "what and who we put before us determines how we live each and every day and in what attitude we do life. The more I choose to set my focus on Christ, the victory He won on our behalf through His death, burial and resurrection, the more I bask in the truth of His Word, meditating on the gems and nuggets He has for me each day, the more stable and fulfilled I live. Being in His presence when all else seems to be crashing in around us truly gives us the "Joy, Peace & Encouragement" to go on with passion, direction and impact!
I kind of think that is what the writer of Hebrews meant when he said, "Fix your eyes on Jesus!" When my eyes are fixed on the Savior the things of earth grow strangely dim, taking on less and less significance in my life, in the light of His glory and grace, (heard that in a song awhile back that was so good). But when I get my eyes on my health concerns, my aches and pains, the pressures around me and the world situation I began to descend into a pretty negative attitude which is not healthy at all.
"It is so good" as Christ followers that we understand that "Joy, Peace & Encouragement" does not come from anyone or anything else apart from the living Lord. When we do this and enjoy His presence in our life each day, watch the inner difference it makes for us and the impact we have with those we are around. I am truly glad to be in His fulfilling presence always!
Your friend,
Pastor Doug
___________ |
|
|