Got JOY?

On a scale of 1 to 10 what is your Joy factor? Are you feeling healthy and vibrant? Are you successful in your career? Are you surrounded by wonderful and loving people? Do you have plenty of money in the bank? Do you drive around in a new car and live in clean suburban neighborhood? Good. Then you’ve got joy, right? Wrong!!! These things may make you happy, but they do not bring you Joy. Oblige me for a moment while I explain.

Happiness is circumstantial…it depends on outward experiences and happenings. Joy is intrinsic—it is an inward experience and does not depend on circumstances. Everyone desires to be happy and live a carefree and fun-filled life. So, they seek to do the very things that they believe will bring them this happiness. They go to college to get a good-paying job, they exercise for health benefits, and they take regular vacations to enjoy life to its fullest. There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing these things either. Furthermore, it is quite easy to be happy when things are going well. But what happens when life throws you a curveball and you lose your job, your health deteriorates, or a loved one dies? What then? Obviously you aren’t “happy” about these things. Does that mean it is time to start complaining, sulking, and blaming others for your misfortune?

Have you considered being “joyful” even in these difficult situations? “How can I be joyful,” you ask “when things are falling apart all around me?” Joy is in direct contrast to happiness and it runs much deeper and stronger. Unlike happiness, joy does not depend on good or positive experiences. You can be joyful even if there is great sorrow all around you. Joy is the quiet and confident assurance that no matter what happens, you are loved by God and He will never leave nor forsake you. This kind of joy can come only from a deep abiding relationship with your heavenly Father. It comes from being dedicated to and living for Jesus Christ. Even when things aren’t going well and we “feel” like complaining, we can rest assured that Christ still reigns, He is still in control, and He will work all things for good for those who love Him.

Consider Paul who endured so much opposition and suffering. Not only was he repeatedly beaten and put in prison, he truly suffered for Christ. He was hungry, he was cold, he was alone, yet he considered “everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus.” No matter what his circumstances were, he learned to be content, and he focused all his attention and energy on knowing and obeying Christ. Wow, what a role model to follow! In his letter to the Philippians, he exhorts us to be joyful in suffering, in serving, in believing, and in giving. He wants us to be “confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6

We’re flesh and blood and it is inevitable that we will feel discouraged at times. However, we must always remember that God’s Spirit is alive and well and living inside each one of His believers. He is the one enabling us to carry on. He is the one who initiates, enables and sustains us from day to day. We may be incomplete and lacking, but He is not! God will never give up on us even though we may give up on ourselves at times. We must learn to rest in His promises and His truth. He will do far more than we can ever expect or anticipate. Our job is simply to rest in Him and trust Him. And remember that trusting is not passive—it is active faith. Read and meditate on His written Word, pour out your heart to Jesus, and walk obediently with Him. He may not take away or change your situation overnight, but He will change something—He will transform you from the inside out. Your attitude will change and your perspective will begin to mirror His. A peace that surpasses all understanding will flood your soul and you will begin to get the mind of Christ.

Maybe it is time to revisit those two words. Are you “happy” or do you have “joy”? Don’t allow your present circumstances to rob you of the joy of knowing Christ or keep you from growing closer to Him. Let’s face it, in this world we will have troubles. Jesus says so Himself. But He also says that He has overcome the world. He is bigger than anything that concerns you. He sees beyond your painful trials and circumstances. He alone knows the end of the story. All He asks of you is to take Him at His Word and take His hand. He will journey with you through the good times and the not so good times. He’s done it for me and I know He’ll do it for you.

Don’t waste your time pursuing fleeting experiences in an effort to evoke a temporary “high” in your life. And don’t just settle for “Happy.” Happiness will elude you as soon as the going gets tough. Personally, I want to live in a constant state of euphoria…a deeper joy that truly surpasses any fleeting experience. That is why I chose Jesus. He is my true and lasting Joy!

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes 5:16-18

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor 2:16

Security in the Storm

Every human being ever born, whether he or she realizes it or not, craves security. At times we even go to unhealthy extremes to get it. Some people stay in unhealthy relationships for the hope of achieving security; others spend countless hours away from home and family in the pursuit of money expecting that financial security is all they need; and still there are others who become rather self-indulgent anticipating that the beauty treatments, plastic surgeries, and muscularly toned bodies will bring them the love and recognition they so crave. Don’t misunderstand me…we are wired to crave security. Needing to feel loved and taken care of is not wrong. The question is: Where are we going to get it? We must stop and ask ourselves from time to time how much of our security lies in our possessions, position, reputation or appearance. The ironic thing is that we all know that possessions can be destroyed, relationships can be broken, beauty fades with time, and for each one of us death is inevitable.

Real security is found only beyond this life. It can only be found when our security rests in God alone and His unchanging nature. Even though our circumstances change continuously, He is the only constant in our lives. And only with Him can we face this uncertain future with hope and peace.

I just finished studying the Book of Esther and it brought to light that Esther’s life was filled with many challenges and uncertainties. Although she was a beautiful queen who found favor with King Xerxes, the Persian king, her security did not lie in being Queen of Persia. Tradition in those days was rather cruel and it was not uncommon for a king to show his disapproval by killing those who did not respond in an appropriate fashion. In fact, his first wife Queen Vashti was exiled (and possibly killed) for not coming to him when summoned. Queen Esther was a Jewess (unbeknownst to the king) who replaced her. No doubt she walked around on pins and needles wondering what her fate might be. When a plan was made by the king’s right hand man to annihilate all the Jews, she fasted and prayed for three days before she entered into the king’s presence. She knew that she could have been killed simply by not being invited to speak to him. Edicts were irrevocable, and punishment was extreme to say the least. In fact, it didn’t surprise me to learn that the ancient Persians were the ones to come up with the tortuous crucifixion as a means of humiliation and death.

It is interesting to note that although God’s name is not mentioned once in this Old Testament book, it is quite obvious that His name is imprinted invisibly on every single page. He may have appeared to remain “unmentioned or anonymous”, but His work and sovereign plan for Esther’s and the Jews’ lives is clearly evident. In the end, God turned the tables around and the Queen and all the Jews were spared from annihilation.

This makes me wonder how many times God has turned the table around for me and I did not even know it? How many times has he protected me from harm’s way or not allowed me to get something I may have wanted and even prayed for because He alone knew that it would not be good for me. How many times have I grumbled because I didn’t get what I wanted totally unaware of the fact that He was only looking out for my best interest? Maybe that job I wanted would have caused me undue stress and turmoil. Maybe that friendship would have been harmful to me and caused me to stumble. Maybe that extra raise would have allowed me to become greedy and self-reliant. And maybe that period of time when my husband was unemployed was His way of teaching us that He alone is our all-sufficient Jehovah Jireh and provider.

I have learned over the years that nothing takes God by surprise. There are no “coincidences” in life. And yes, sometimes he remains completely anonymous. It our job to seek Him with all of our hearts and He promises we will find Him. It is our job to trust in Him and not in the world. Nothing the world offers can compare to the love and peace and security we find in our relationship with God. Let’s face it…we are definitely living in uncertain times. Many of us don’t know from one moment to the next if we will have a job or not. We certainly cannot rely on the crazy economy we are currently living in and the volatility of the stock market. We don’t know if our health will fail from one minute to the next. And we certainly know that death can come knocking on anyone’s door at any minute. No one is exempt. Don’t think it can’t happen to you or just happens to others. Take it from me. My very own 9 year old son was ushered into God’s presence at a birthday party of all places. As utterly devastating as that was for me, it did not surprise God one bit.

I have learned through much pain and sorrow that God is truly in control of everything and that if I place my trust in Him alone, He will see me through whatever trials or challenges that come my way. No one else I have ever met can do that for me. I have also learned that life is not so much about “smooth sailing” but in whom you trust when the boat begins to rock back and forth or the storms come with a vengeance. Do you trust in your boat’s ability to save you or possibly in the captain who is steering the boat? Or do you trust in the weatherman’s forecast and decide he’s probably wrong anyway? Are you planning to “sail through life” hoping to escape the turbulent waves in your own strength? Or are you willing to surrender self and let God be your ultimate security?” Seriously ponder that question for a little while and let it sink in deep. I hope you choose Him, because I can already see the storms brewing on the horizon.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. Psalm 118:8-9

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. Psalm 57:1

He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Are you a Worry-Wart?

Do you ever find yourself day-dreaming about your future, or maybe the state of the economy, or the spiritual decline of our nation and before you know it you become anxious and unsettled? Or maybe you find yourself obsessively thinking about your kids, what they are doing or watching, or the choices they are making, and you begin to worry about their health and well-being? I know that I am guilty of fretting over things that I have absolutely no control over. Furthermore, worrying quickly opens the door to yet another very destructive emotion—FEAR. So why do I worry? We all know what an inefficient use of time worrying is. In fact, over 90% of what we worry about never even comes to pass. Yet, many of us to choose to engage in it on a regular basis. It is important to note that there is a difference between worrying about something and being concerned about it. Whereas worrying immobilizes, genuine concern moves one to action.

Because worrying is so detrimental to one’s health and faith-life, Jesus strongly warns us not to worry. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

The bible gives us 7 reasons not to worry:

1. The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life.
2. Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today.
3. Worrying is more harmful than helpful.
4. God does not ignore those who depend on Him.
5. Worry shows a lack of faith in and understanding of God.
6. There are real challenges God wants us to pursue, and worrying keeps us from them.
7. Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry.

When we chose to worry, we forfeit our peace. More importantly, worry reveals a lack of faith in God’s control. Psalm 37:5-7 says, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” When God tells us to “commit our way” to Him, he wants us to entrust everything to Him—our lives, our families, our jobs, our possessions, and our future. He wants us to loosen our grip and give Him control. Committing ourselves to God means trusting in Him. Trusting that He can take far better care of us and everything that concerns us and patiently waiting for him to work out what is best. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? The real test of faith is whether or not you can do that.

Now faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. Hebrews 11:1 I just love that verse. It is such divine truth. If we knew the outcome, if we could see it all, it simply would not be faith. We would be trusting in ourselves, not in God. True faith drops a letter in the mailbox and lets it go, trusting that a response is forthcoming. Worry and distrust holds onto a corner of it, and wonders why the answer never comes. Holding onto the corner doesn’t produce a response, does it? It will not accomplish a thing until we let it go out of our hands and trust the postman and the mail system to get the letter to its desired recipient. This is how it is with true faith. It hands over its case to God, and leaves it with Him, trusting that He will work it out.

Worrying is a very destructive emotion that reveals a lack of faith that God loves us and is in control over our lives. It is also a very “inward focus”. Next time you find yourself beginning to worry, take a “time out.” Find a place where you can commune with God, give Him all your worries, and ask for His peace to rain down on you. This will give you an “upward focus”, and not allow you to dwell inwardly on your problems or worries. If you focus your attention on God and His goodness, He promises you will find peace.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Thirsty, anyone?

I admit I have been guilty. Guilty of drinking from the well to satisfy my thirst--guilty of trying to do things my way, in my time, and in my strength. Is it any wonder I end up dry and parched and thirstier than ever? Why is it that we always drink from our own wells? We attempt do things for ourselves without even giving a thought to asking God for his insight and help? I know we are taught early on to be independent, but by leaving God out of the equation we only set ourselves up for failure. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He knows that we can either stumble along on our own or we can soar with Him.

God gives each one of us a personal invitation. An invitation to come to Him. "Come all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fair." Isaiah 55:1-2

What God is offering is not temporary…it is free nourishment for our soul and it is eternal. Everything else in life satisfies for such a short time. Food tastes delicious at the moment but as soon as it is devoured its taste fades. Money buys material possessions, but once we have them, they no longer satisfy and we crave more. Vacations are great fun, but quickly fade to distant memories. Only a growing relationship with God can give us the nourishment for our soul that sustains and empowers us. We need the Living Water that flows from the throne of God. This Living Water is Jesus.

In Jeremiah 2:13 the Lord says, “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” Remember the story of the woman at the well. She came to draw water from a well and met Jesus. He told her “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13

We are to thirst after God as we thirst after water. Jesus alone is the Messiah who can give us this gift that satisfies the soul’s desire. And it is not a one-time event. It is a moment-by-moment way of life. Furthermore, if we are to give back to others, we absolutely must be filled with God’s Spirit—filled with the Living Water, or we will simply not have anything worthwhile to give. How can we possibly encourage, inspire, or pour anything into the precious life of another human being if we have not been filled with the Living Water ourselves? We simply cannot give that which we have not yet received ourselves.

God gives us the choice from where to drink? We can drink from the well of our own cisterns or we can drink from the Living Water and never thirst again. I have a suggestion…why don’t we fill our empty vessels with Living Water. That God-shaped void in our lives simply cannot be satisfied with a career, money, a beautiful home, or even other people. It is designed to be filled with Jesus. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be thirsty again. I chose the Living Water.

"If a man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7:37

Living Mindfully

Have you ever stopped to reflect on how quickly time seems to fly by? When a person is young this question never enters the mind. Interestingly, one usually doesn’t take inventory of “time” until he or she ages. Youth holds the promise of a bright future as one anticipates entering college, meaningful relationships, and traveling the world. Eventually thoughts turn to marriage and children, and thereafter, career and family matters take precedence. At least that is how it was for me. It was not until I got older that I became increasingly more aware of how fleeting time really is. No sooner was one birthday celebrated when the next one magically appeared. Where did the time go? Both the unexpected and anticipated moments seem to come and go as quickly as spring is ushered in after a long, cold winter.

The fact that I have now become cognoscente of the brevity of life allows me to savor each day and live it to its fullest. There are times, however, when I “forget” and in my haste I return to the multi-tasking mode of the past. I begin performing various tasks simultaneously and yet I’m not really present in the moment at all. You know what I mean. You’re busy unloading the dishwasher as you’re preparing supper and your husband is talking to you while your child is whining in the background. You half-heartedly carry on a conversation with him while you try to ignore the cries of your child, as you’re cooking tonight’s dinner and then you find yourself putting the butter in the dishwasher!!! Maybe the situation is not quite that bad, but you get my point! You are not giving your best anywhere because you are trying to do too many things at the same time.

I recently went on a weekend retreat and the theme was about “living mindfully.” To live mindfully is to live fully in the moment. Not in some multi-tasking whirlwind sort of way, but fully embracing and enjoying whomever you are with or whatever you are doing. It is being fully alive and aware of the present moment. Although the culture of today tries to teach us the art of multi-tasking, I believe that when you try to do too much at the same time it lessens the quality of the experience.

So, how do you begin to live mindfully? The speaker encouraged us to take “sacred pauses”—to carve out time and take deliberate pauses in the day wherein you stop what you are doing and talk to God, or look out the window and enjoy His creation, or do some deep breathing and realize God’s breathe is in you, or reflect on His grace and goodness. These pauses help you to live in the now. They bring you back to reality and the reason for your existence—to have a relationship with the Creator of the Universe, and to live thankfully and lovingly with all those that He has put in your path. These pauses make space for God in your life and allow you to live with an open heart of love and gratitude. So many wonderful experiences of God are all around us, yet we often don’t see them when we are hurrying about our days.

The New Testament uses two different words for time: Chronos and Kairos. Chronos is the time governed by the clock. It includes time tables and pre-arranged work schedules. It is task driven and hurried. Chronos time misses out on the joy of the moment for the purpose of completing a task. Kairos time, on the other hand, is measured by events or special moments and allows for meaningful experiences and memories that are long-lasting and precious. It savors those special moments when time seems to stand still as one relishes a memory, a laugh or smile, a meaningful conversation. Even Scripture charges us to redeem our time and use it for all it is worth. “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

Remember the story of Mary and Martha? Martha became angry and frustrated because she was torn between chronos (the schedule and the tasks) and kairos time (the special moment of sitting at Jesus’ feet). Her sister Mary chose the better part. She relished the moments sitting at her Teacher’s feet.

So my question to you is “How do you use your time?” Are you always in a hurry? Are you missing out on life experiences because the activity or task at hand is becoming more important than the people you are doing it for? Hurrying means losing touch with those around you and it creates a cluttered life rather than a simplified life. Never forget that “Time is the soil in which relationships grow.”

As Christians we are to aim for a balanced life. There are times when it is more prudent to live in chronos mode. However, we must deliberately pursue living in kairos mode too. Look for the kairos even in the seemingless insignificant tasks and remember that God is in them too. Scripture tells us that “there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Place speed limits on your life to maintain a pace that is safe, sane, and steady. Take “sacred pauses” often throughout your day. One of my favorite sayings of all times is “Every new day is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift to God.” If you can remember this and practice doing it, you will learn what it means to live mindfully. You’ll redeem your time and it will be lived more passionately. And I don’t know any better way we can spend our time than investing ourselves in others and storing up treasures in heaven!

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
1 Tim 6:18-19

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Col 1:10

Your Big-Picture Direction

Have you ever questioned what your life purpose is? What is it that God put you here for and what does He want to accomplish through you? Or are you simply meandering through your life with little or no vision? As Christians we are told in God’s Word that He has a plan and purpose for each one of His children, yet have you taken the time to discover what that plan and purpose could be?

We also know that God has gifted us each individually and uniquely with specific talents and abilities to use for His kingdom purposes. Have you discovered what they are? Now please don’t say that you don’t have any gifts, talents, or abilities. By stating something as insidious as this you are claiming that God made you inadequate and deficient, and we know that this is NOT true. You may just need to do some soul searching to reflect on your life and the type of person God created you to be. And then pray and diligently seek God’s direction for your life. Something I did that was very helpful to me was I developed a life mission statement. This enabled me to discern what God wanted to accomplish through me in my lifetime. Furthermore, it helped me realize that God did not waste a tear, an experience, or a valuable lesson. He used all of these life experiences, both joyful and sorrowful, to mold me into the person I am today. He has equipped me to reach out to others in a way that brings Him glory. Some questions you can ask yourself in helping you to determine what your life mission may be are:

1. If you were to die tomorrow, what do you want people to remember?
2. What do you feel passionately about? What do you never grow tired of talking about?
3. When you go to a bookstore/library what section do you drift toward?
4. What do people compliment you about? What activities do you excel in?
5. If you could do only one activity all day long for the rest of your life what would it be?
6. Has God laid a special burden or concern for a group or ministry on your heart?

Summarize these thoughts into a few sentences and you are on your way to defining your life mission. Seek God’s guidance and direction in fine tuning it. Then write it down somewhere where you can review it often. When you are more in tune with who you are and how God has gifted you, you will become more aware of opportunities that surround you to join Him in accomplishing your life mission.

Zig Ziglar, a renowned motivational speaker and Christian once asked a poignant question, “Are you a wandering generality or a meaningful specific?” A wandering generality is a person who lacks direction. Often this person is a very busy person indeed. She is the soccer mom, her children’s chauffeur, and she is on several committees. She is running here and there, trying not only to take care of her family, but busy trying to please her friends, her church family, and various other organizations that she is involved in. While these are all wonderful things in and of themselves, they are not wonderful if she is leaving God out of the “big picture” only to win the approval of everyone else. In no time at all she will find herself stressed out and ineffective. Unfortunately by saying “Yes” to everything and everyone else, she often says “No” to God. This woman will never make a lasting mark on her world until she discovers God’s mission for her.

The meaningful specific, on the other hand, is a woman who doesn’t seek to do for God, but who is available to Him so that He can do His work through her. This woman takes the time necessary to develop an intimate relationship with her Maker. She knows Him and seeks after Him with all of her heart. Although she too may be busy, she is not aimlessly living her life. She has a passion, a purpose, a mission. And God is at the center of it. She realizes that God loves her and has equipped her for great things. But she is also willing to surrender her dreams knowing that God’s plan for her life is her ultimate goal. She trusts that God will reveal and equip her to accomplish His kingdom purposes. Her primary joy in life is developing her relationship with Him, fully confident that He will speak and guide her in her day to day life. Therefore, she doesn’t fret or strive. She simply abides.

Sounds so simple, doesn’t it? I truly believe that the greatest pleasure we can give the Lord is our full and undivided love and affection. We are a people who always believe we must be doing something for Him. Why is it so hard for us to just sit quietly at the feet of our Lord and wait for Him? When we step into His plan, we will not grow weary or tired. He will miraculously provide us with the energy and the means to fulfill His purpose.

As we take the time to develop and strengthen our walk with Christ, God will give us the big picture direction for our lives. He doesn’t desire to keep secrets from us, but He does insist on our participation. He won’t do it all for us. Before long He will whisper to the deep places in our souls what we were uniquely created to do. He will lay on our hearts specific burdens for a group of people, a country, or a ministry. We simply cannot bypass the relationship. It takes lots of reflection, prayer, and even feedback from others. Ask God outright for the “big-picture” direction for your future, and ask Him to guide you daily in your choices. Refuse to say “yes” to others’ demands until you have spent time listening to God. He knows you better than you know yourself and if you delight in Him, He will surely give you the desires of your heart. And you will find your Big-Picture direction!

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Psalm 37:3-7

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him he will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13

A Letter from Heaven

In this fast-paced society in which we now live, most communications that come our way are in the form of e-mails, text messages, and junk mail. How often do you get a letter from a friend or a loved one? It is a rare but joyous occasion when I go to the mailbox and find a letter amongst the many daily pieces of junk mail. I usually tear open the envelope because I can’t wait to read what personal message is inside just for me. I think most people enjoy receiving personal letters or note cards. They have a way of making us feel “special”, because someone took the time to sit down and handwrite a message to us. Maybe they just miss us, or are thanking us for a kind gesture, or encouraging us through difficult times. Whatever the reason, I’m sure you would agree that a personal handwritten note can truly set one’s heart soaring!

So, I have a simple question for you. If God was the one who sent you a letter, would you read it? Would His letter bring you the same enthusiasm and excitement as a letter from a friend? His letter would be full of encouragement and He would spur you on to be your very best. He would profess his absolute love and devotion to you and even let you know of things to come. This letter would be packed with insight and even give you tips on how to deal with unruly children or a difficult neighbor. Best of all, this letter would be written specifically with You in mind. I’d like to think that everyone would shout “Absolutely” and be very interested in hearing what God had to say.

Now I have another question for you. When was the last time you opened your Bible and spent time reading and meditating on it? Hopefully, you can say with confidence, “Yes, today, in fact!” Can I propose to you that the Bible IS God’s letter to you? It is His love letter directed personally to you; it is His words of affirmation and encouragement concerning you; it is His plans for your prosperous and successful future; and it is even His revelation about what is to come. Now who wouldn’t want to read a letter like that?

Although I’m quite sure many might possibly want to read it, I also believe that many will not take the time to do so. Other things will get in the way. Kids, work, and a busy schedule are sure to be the most common excuses. Now I’m not trying to put you on a “guilt trip”. Believe me, I’ve been there myself. Unfortunately for me, I waited until catastrophe struck my home and then I was desperate to hear from God. Had I taken the time to get to know my Maker sooner, I would have known exactly where to go in my letter for the forgiveness, consolation, healing, and peace I so craved. So, please don’t follow in my footsteps and wait for trials to come before you pursue a relationship with God. Get to know Him now. In His letter, He tells you all about Himself and what He is like. Once you know Him, you can’t help but Love Him. Obeying Him will become easier and His commands will no longer seem burdensome.

So next time you look at that dusty bookshelf with a myriad of choices, remember God’s letter nestled in between all those other books. He is waiting for you to open it and attentively read it. It surpasses any book of romance, mystery, intrigue, or suspense. In addition, it will supply just what you need for today. Whether that comes in the form of encouragement, or the resolution to a problem you’ve been facing, or to a feeling of love and acceptance filtering deep down into your soul, His letter has the power to transform your very life. How do I know this? I know because it has changed mine. I’m living proof. His letter is never boring, and the more I read it, the more addicted I become to it. Even though I may read the same chapter today that I read last year, it will speak to me in a fresh way concerning my situation today. It is replete with love, wisdom, guidance, and encouragement. More than anything, God’s letter to me has given me Hope. Hope for a brighter today and Hope for an eternity in heaven with Jesus. I know it will do the same for you.

So what are you waiting for? It’s your love letter from God and He is waiting for you to read it. The wisdom He imparts to you through His written Word will bless you in unimaginable ways. Go ahead, open it. You won’t regret it. I promise.

For the word of God is active and living, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates to dividing the soul and the spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Heb 4:12

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105