Disappointment and Sorrow

All of us have had, or will experience, disappointment and sorrow. When difficulties discourage us, the feelings that come from these setbacks are not appreciated. However, disappointments, sorrow and other kinds of emotions are part of life. Someone may say something or do something that is opposite of what we thought they would say or do. A broken relationship, sickness, or loss of a loved one may cause sorrow. Though disappointments, sorrow, and grief will sometimes be more than we can bear, there can still be a ray of hope. In writing to the people at Corinth, the Apostle Paul said, “I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds” (2 Corinthians 7:4). Notice the aspects of this verse which are related to disappointments:

1)    People are Important.  The statements “I have great confidence in you” and “I take great pride in you” imply that the Apostle Paul was doing what he could to encourage the people to whom he was writing.

2)    Difficulties Abound.  “All our troubles” suggests that Paul faced great difficulties because obstacles and problems confronted him along the way.

3)    Encouragement is needed.  When Paul said, “I am greatly encouraged” people understood that he was being positive about the action they had taken and he was also providing encouragement and hope to help build them up.

4)    Joy is Available in Abundance.  It might seem contradictory, but the phrase, “My joy knows no bounds” helps us understand that even through difficulties, Paul experienced great contentment, peace, and unbelievable joy.

You might wonder how Paul could have extraordinary joy while going through difficulties. In the Bible, Nehemiah said, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). God can, and will, provide strength for you and give you joy that does not depend on any specific situation. Even though you may experience disappointment, sorrow. or grief the Lord stands ready to provide the help that you need. If you put your confidence in God, trusting Him as your savior and Lord, you will find extraordinary joy that you never knew was possible.

What difficulty are you facing today that is discouraging? What makes you feel like you should give up? Turn to God and put your trust in him as your Savior and Lord.  He is ready to provide extraordinary help and much joy through your difficulties and sorrow.

Joy of Fulfillment

Most people can think about things for which they have had great anticipation.  Maybe that anticipation was a birthday, Christmas time, a new bike, a new game player, a new car, or a new home.  Possibly, you have anticipated the visit of a friend or relative whom you have not seen for some time.  Most likely all of us can think of things for which we have anticipated and most likely there will be further anticipations in the years ahead.  Anticipation is the excitement that a person has about looking forward to something that will bring a smile to their face, provide a note of joy to their heart, and fill them with a sense of great satisfaction. 

Most of the time anticipation is positive because the fulfillment will bring much happiness to the individual.  However, sometimes anticipation can be negative, especially when the individual has anticipated something for a long but it has not yet materialized.  This might result in a feeling of “dreaded expectation” and it may also produce fear or anxiety, rather than hope, and trust. 

From a biblical perspective, anticipation is a confident belief that what God has said will take place.  Another word for biblical anticipation is “faith.”  Faith as a general term is quite different than Biblical faith.  When someone has general faith, they have a “hope so” attitude.  They expect that something may happen, but in reality, it may not happen.  When someone has biblical faith, they have a “know so” attitude.  With Biblical faith they can be completely confident that what God has said will come to pass.  Hebrews 11:1 explains it this way, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  Here are several important aspects of the statement from Hebrews.

(1) “Faith” – Is the actual anticipation of that which is expected.

(2) “Confidence” – Is Biblical faith because there is certainty in what is hoped for.

(3) “Assurance” – Is the guarantee that what is anticipated will essentially transpire – a “know so” attitude.

To sum up our discussion, anticipation is looking ahead and preparing for what God has already said and promised.  Joy comes when the result of anticipation has been fulfilled or completed. What do you look forward to?  What do you anticipate.  Is your anticipation a “hope so” kind of faith, or a “know so” kind of faith?  If you are looking for something for which you can be completely confident that it will actually happen, then go to the Bible and check out some of God’s promises such as “new birth”, “a living hope”, and “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade” Here’s what the Apostle Peter says in his 1st Epistle.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”  I Peter 1:3-5

Lessons from Flowers

During the summertime, most of us have seen many different kinds of flowers and heard comments expressing how beautiful the flowers look.  The color of flowers is exquisite and in most cases the fragrance is delightful.  Seeing gorgeous flowers may evoke positive memories of beautiful people, a fragrant perfume, reflections of perfection and goodness, or thoughts of a perfect God who has so generously made things for us to enjoy.

When we look at the beauty of flowers, let’s not just see pretty flowers, but let’s take time to learn lessons for Christian living.

1)    Beauty.  Flowers are beautifully dressed.  “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these” (Luke 12:27).  They do not work or expend energy to look nice.  They are simply beautiful, because that is the way God made them.

2)    Faithfulness.  Flowers are compared to faithfulness.  “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field” (Isaiah 40:6). 

3)    Joy.  Flowers bring joy.  “Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land” (Song of Songs 2:12).

4)    Contrast.  Flowers are contrasted with God’s Word.  “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8).

5)    Reminder.  Flowers are a reminder that life is short.  “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall” (1 Peter 1:24).

We ought to remember that God created the beauty that we see in the flowers, and He takes care of everything that He has created.  We should also remember that God created us and He takes care of us, too.  Listen to these words: “And why do you worry about clothes?  See how the lilies of the field grow.  They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown in the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:28-30).

When you see a beautiful flower, take time to give thanks to God for His creative power.  However, do not forget to thank God for creating you and taking care of you.

 

Get Ready. Get Set. Give Thanks!

What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things in your possession that you thanked God for today?  If that were the case, what might you have to enjoy or share?  If you are honest with yourself, most likely you could count on one hand what you thanked God for yesterday and probably have some fingers left.  By human nature we are an ungrateful people.  We so easily fall into the rut of thinking that things will be much the same today as they were yesterday, so we get in the “lean back and relax” mode.  If it were not for the grace of God, we would be woefully lacking in many of the necessities of life.

Usually, the Thanksgiving season is the time of year when people express thanks in some manner.  It is good for us to give thanks.  The Bible helps express this importance when the Apostle Paul instructs people to give thanks.  Notice that along with thankfulness, joyfulness and prayer are also included.  He says, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18).   In another place he says, “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything” (Ephesians 5:20).  Look carefully at the qualifications for these three activities.

1)      Joyfulness is to constantly be a part of our lives

2)      Prayer should be made repeatedly

3)      Thanksgiving should be expressed in all situations

According to these verses the giving of thanks is not to be reserved for just one season of the year.  Thanks to God ought to overflow from our hearts and be expressed from our lips every day of the year.  Here are three questions to ask yourself as you work your way through the Thanksgiving season.

 1) Am I joyful always?

2) Do I Pray continually?

3) Do I Give thanks in all circumstances?

Giving thanks should be a daily activity.  Let’s make sure that the fruit of our lips express thanks to God and the actions of our hands and feet show our thankfulness to Him and to others.  Let’s not relegate the giving of thanks to Thanksgiving Day in November.  So, Get ready. Get set. Give thanks!  And – and give thanks again and again.

Tis the Season

Have you ever thought about the message that many of our popular Christmas Carols covey?  For example:

“Silver Bells” tells us to be upbeat – “Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile.”

“Up On the House Top” suggests merriment – “Ho, ho ho!  Who wouldn’t go?”

“Jingle Bells” advocates fun – “Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh!”

“Deck the Halls” proposes being jolly – “’Tis the season to be jolly.

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” advocates happiness – “With kids jingle belling and everyone telling you ‘Be of good cheer.’”

So, what is the conclusion we get from these Carols?  Christmas must be a time filled with joy, cheer, parties, and family gatherings.  Right?  Maybe for some it is.  But this is wrong for others.  Many people experience Christmas as a time of anxiety, stress, loneliness, reflection on past failures, and concerns about an uncertain future.  Did you know that depression affects about 19 million American adults each year?  It takes away a person’s ability to function in everyday situations and affects thoughts, moods, and behaviors.  During Christmas many people are sad and grieve.  Some individuals avoid groups of people because they fear crowds or are afraid of being disapproved or embarrassed.  We need to realize that Christmas will not eliminate loneliness or feelings of sadness.  Here are some suggestions that you might want to try during this often stressed-filled season: 

1)      Look for positive things to alleviate disappointment.

2)      Volunteer to help others.  This will take your mind off yourself and give you a sense of usefulness.

3)      Do something for yourself.

4)      Do not spend the Christmas season alone but find people to be with. 

5)      Open the Bible and read the Christmas story.

6)      List the ways that God has been faithful to you.

7)      Focus on the real meaning of Christmas.

8)      Identify and write down at least 2 dozen (24) things for which you are grateful.

If Christmas does not seem like the most wonderful time of the year to you because of stress or disappointment realize that God wants to give you His joy.  Jesus said, “These things that I have spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11). Notice that the qualification for a joy-filled life is to possess the joy of Jesus.  This will become a reality when you invite Jesus, who is the reason for the Christmas season, to become your Savior and Lord.  It is He who will give you joy despite your circumstances.  Have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Good News at Christmas

All of us are anxious to hear news, but our appreciation for the news we hear is even greater if the news is good news.  This Christmas season are you prepared to hear some good news?  Here is some good news that comes directly from the biblical Christmas Story.  The angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds who were tending their flocks on the Bethlehem hillside and said, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).  Notice that the news that was brought to them was (1) Quality News because it was “good news”, (2) It was Hopeful News because it would provide “great joy”, and (3) It was Extensive News because it was news that was important for “all the people.”

The news the angel was talking about was the gospel, which actually means good news.  When the word gospel is used in the New Testament, most of the time it refers to the total of the saving truth about Jesus as it is communicated to people who are lost in sin.  The bad news of the Bible is called sin, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  But when God entered the picture, He changed the bad news to good news. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were sill sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

I trust that during this Christmas season the news of Jesus Christ will be especially Good News for you because by faith you can experience Christ in your heart.  My prayer is that as you experience the Good News of Christ you will have great joy because of the personal peace that God gives.  I further trust that you will take time to communicate this wonderful news of Christ to others.  Listen to the promise Jesus gave in His own words, “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:40).  May you have a joyous Christmas rejoicing in the Good News of salvation in Christ.

Finding Christmas Joy

As a child, one of the things at Christmas that was most fun for me was finding a gift under the tree with my name on it.  When I looked at the name tags on the presents and discovered my name listed, I began to wonder.  Was it a toy?  A game?  Something fun?  Would it make me happy?  Or was it a dreaded article of clothing?  It is interesting that “finding” is mentioned in the Biblical Christmas story.  It was an angel who told the shepherds on the Judean hillside so many years ago, “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12).  As I began to think of Christmas in terms of finding I discovered several other wonderful things from the Bible that are worth finding.

1)      Christmas is finding God’s Love.  Too often, people feel like they are not loved.  When downhearted and discouraged it is good to peel back the curtain of despair and recognize that God’s love is available in abundant measure to bring light, peace, and joy. To hear the words, “I love you”, brightens the day and turns discouragement into hope.  God sent His Son, Jesus, to express His love to us. “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (I John 4:9).

2)      Christmas is finding Forgiveness.  The Scripture is clear that everyone sins and is born with a sin nature.  In addition, sin must be punished.  However, God’s plan was to send Jesus to die on the cross to pay the penalty of our sin.  “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43).

3)      Christmas is finding Hope.  Without Christ there is despair and despondency.  The Apostle Paul says, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).  Without hope there is not much to look forward to.  Finding God is to find hope.

4)      Christmas is finding Joy.  Joy goes far beyond happiness because it does not depend on circumstances.  Joy comes from a close relationship and fellowship with Christ and results in strength to the individual irrespective of circumstances.  “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart” (Psalm 19:8).  “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

5)      Christmas is finding Peace.  One of the names given to Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6 names Him with these very words – “Prince of Peace.”  With Jesus you and I can experience peace even in tough, unsettling times.  “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36). 

6)      Christmas is finding Everlasting Life.  Jesus came for the purpose of giving something that would last forever – eternal life.  He said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10). From the Apostle Paul we learn about this special gift.  “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 3:23).

All these gifts are a special find and they come through Jesus Christ.  Do not let another Christmas season pass without going on a hunt to find the wonderful things that God has for you.

 

Joy During a Pandemic

With the Covid-19 pandemic, sheltering in place, social distancing, sanitizing activity, washing hands, closing of businesses, people out of work, and other things that have placed our country (and the entire world) in crisis, it is hard to think about being joyful.  In order to find joy some people have tried drugs, others have tried drink, some try music, positive thinking, and some just hunker down in anxiety and fear. Some of these things may bring happiness for a period of time, but they all lead to disappointment. The problem is that people are looking for real joy in the wrong places.

It is possible to have joy during difficult circumstances if a person goes to the right source. Even though the Apostle Paul was sitting in a jail cell he and his companion were “praying and singing hymns to God” (Acts 16:25). How could he do that?  He also could say, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). How could he say that?  During other difficult circumstances, he said, “I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.” (II Corinthians 7:4). How could he be so positive and joyful when experiencing difficulties?

What the Apostle Paul learned was to go to God who is the source of  joy. The psalmist helped point this out when he said, “You (God) make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11). When we come to God and put our trust in Him, we have found the right source of joy. God gives it to you and me when we have a personal relationship with Him. As a result, the psalmist notes that he was able to “Extol the Lord at all times” (Psalm 34:1). “All times” includes difficulties -- even a pandemic. For real joy God is the right source to whom we should turn.

The Surprise of the Ages

Some people do not like surprises, but most people do.  A surprise suggests both the unanticipated and unexpected.  Whatever the situation the surprise usually brings a smile to the face and joy to the heart.  Jesus had been crucified on the cross and was laid in the tomb.  When Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb they were given a wonderful surprise which turned out to be some very great news.  “The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you” (Matthew 28:5-7).

The great surprise had a wonderful, everlasting consequence. Because Christ lives, we who believe in, trust in, and have received him, shall also live.  Earlier, when speaking with Martha, whose brother Lazarus died, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26).

The surprise of the ages turned out to the resurrection Sunday.  What a great Easter we can enjoy because of what Jesus has done for us.  He is indeed our living Savior.  No wonder the songwriter could write words and music that expressed the fact that “He Lives” (Alfred Henry Ackley, 1933).

Memories of Christmas

As soon as the first snowflakes began to fall I start to think of Christmas.  I’m sure my thoughts of Christmas come because of the warm childhood memories I have of this wonderful season of the year.  However, this time of year also brings me some sad thoughts.  Both my father and father-in-law each passed away (although in different years) shortly before Christmas.  I rejoice because both of these godly men are in heaven today.  How do I know?  Because both of them made a personal decision to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior.  As a result they were assured by God’s Word that eternal life was theirs to enjoy. “Yet to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

In spite of the absence of these dear men and the sadness that it brings, it is God who brings joy to my heart and to the hearts of each member of my family.  How is it possible to experience sadness and joy at the same time?  It is because of the gift of Christmas, which is Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

This Christmas I encourage you to take time to rejoice in the Christmas memories you have in spite of some of the sadness that may come your way.  Allow the joy of the gift of Christ to fill your heart.  Why not give a special gift to someone this year?  Here are some suggestions:

• The Gift of Listening.  You must REALLY listen.  No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response.  Just listen.
• The Gift of Appreciation.  Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds.  Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.
• The Gift of Laughter.  Clip cartoons and share them with others.  Share articles and funny stories.  Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”
• The Gift of a Written Note.  It can be a simple “Thanks for the help” note or a full sonnet.  A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

• The Gift of a Compliment.  A simple and sincere, “You look great in red”, “You did a super job” or “That was a wonderful meal” can make someone’s day.
• The Gift of a Favor.  Every day go out of your way to do something kind for someone.
• The Gift of Solitude.  There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone.  Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.
• The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition.  An easy way to feel good is to make others feel good.

Disappointment, Sorrow...and Something Greater

All of us would rather not experience disappointment and sorrow.  However, these emotions are a part of life.  Someone may say something or do something that is the opposite of what we thought they would say or do and that disappoints us.  A broken relationship or the sickness or loss of a loved one may cause sorrow.  Amid disappointment, sorrow and grief there can be a ray of hope.

In the New Testament, when writing to the people who lived at Corinth, the Apostle Paul said, “I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds” (II Corinthians 7:4).  Notice that Paul was facing many difficulties ("troubles"), and yet, he could experience joy.  In his difficult situations he took the opportunity to do two things:

1. Encourage the people to whom he was writing (“great confidence in” and “take pride in”) and
2. Find abundant joy (“in all our troubles…joy knows no bounds”).  

How could he find great joy through his difficulties?  From the Old Testament, Nehemiah helps answer this question when he said,“Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).  Joy comes from the Lord and it does not depend on being in a good situation.  While you are going through a time of disappointment, sorrow or grief you can have great joy—if you let the Lord provide it for you.  What difficulty is discouraging you today?  Turn to the Lord.  He is ready to help you have abundant joy in spite of your situation.