There is nothing new under the sun (Ecc 1:9). All the various experiences and circumstances any of can find ourselves in evoke feelings and thoughts that may leave us hopeless or isolated. Maybe we become downcast, depressed. Maybe we withdraw or surround ourselves with activity and chatter that drown out the desperate heart. Maybe we put on rose colored glasses and always have an overflowing cup. Maybe we live to exude the joy of the Lord as we sing His praises. Maybe, like many, we see ourselves in all those places. Whatever our outlook or struggles may be, we can identify with someone whose story has been preserved just for us and for God's glory.
In God's written revelation to us we can dive into adventures that portray love, sacrifice, astounding miracles, justified wrath, perseverance, and hope. So, dive in. Start with creation, outlined in Genesis but mentioned all throughout Scripture to point to a Creator. Soak in the desperation, hope, and praise in the Psalms. Study the prayers of the saints, from Hannah and Jehoshaphat to Paul and Jesus, Himself (John 17; Rom 8:34). A powerful and loving Creator made all things (Col 1:16) and made us to have a relationship with Him. However sin, which brings death and separation (Rom 6:23) keeps us from being welcome in the presence of the holy and just God. So God, in His incomprehensible love for us, demonstrated His love *while* we were a total disaster, deserving His full wrath, by sending Jesus. Jesus came to perfect and fulfill the law God had given (Matt 5:17-20), to satisfy God's wrath (Rom 5:9), and reconcile believers to the Father (2 Cor 5:18; Col 1:19-20).
If we understand that we were truly lost and hopeless, isolated from true love without God's intervention and trust in His ability to save us completely (Heb 7:25) and in his sovereignty, then we know we can face whatever befalls us in this temporary life. And face it with hope (2 Cor 4:17). The Bible never promises a life of ease. In fact, followers of Jesus are promised and called to suffering, albeit temporary. The abundant life Jesus offers us (John 10:10) is not one where we are in control. The life of abundance we are promised is a life filled with joy and peace *amidst* trials, chaos, sickness, heartache, and loss. Yes, the Lord delights to give good gifts to His children and enables us to enjoy the worldly pleasures we are allowed (Ecc 5:19) but they are unrequired for a life filled with the Spirit (Phil 4:11-13). Let us come before the Throne with praise and thanksgiving, asking for the eyes of our hearts to be enlightened (Ephesians 1-3).
We have an incredible opportunity right now to look at life through the lens of God's word. When our view takes an eternal and loving perspective, we can put off the old self and put on the new (Col 3). This enables us to look at life through the lens of others. To bear with them. To understand them. To see where they are coming from and to point them to a High Priest that humbled himself and identifies with suffering (1 Pet 3:18; Isaiah 53:3). A God who did not despise the cross (Phil 2:8). Let us always be ready to give a reason for the hope within us (1 Pet 3:15), encouraging one another and following the good news of the gospel so closely we cannot help but spread unspeakable joy, exhibiting peace that passes understanding. His love compels us (2 Cor 5:14)
And if you want to know more about a personal and powerful relationship with a heavenly Father, through Jesus His Son, sealed by the Spirit (Eph 1:13), pray...ask the God of the universe to reveal Himself to you. Read His word. Talk with a believer. I will warn you, though. If you really want to see His glory and follow Him, it will cost you countless deaths and require a teachable, contrite heart that must painfully change and grow. You will also experience abounding grace from the loving Father who is wonderfully faithful even when we stumble. He gently restores us and bids us to seek His kingdom first (Heb 11:6; Matt 6:33).
Face the world before you with your eyes fixed on Jesus and your mind steadfast on the Lord, knowing that the even the ability to do this is a gift from the Lord. May our heart's delight be to glorify God.
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen
Jude 24-25
