Well, we're going on who-knows-how-many days in a row of rain and yuck here in Raleigh (and elsewhere in the south). Goodness gracious, I know the sun is up there somewhere, hidden behind all these clouds and drizzle and grey. And someday, some Lord-willing-not-too-distant day, that sun will reappear in all it's blazing glory and start to dry us out and cheer us up.
Funny, isn't it, how the weather can get you downhearted and dispirited.
Seriously, the weather?
Are we really going to allow the fickle weather to dictate our level of contentment? Yet truth be told, how often do we allow such relative superficialities rob us of the joy and satisfaction Christ longs for us to enjoy continually in Him.
Jesus died and rose from the dead to give us eternal life. He lives to intercede for us. He will never ever leave us nor forsake us. His Word--chock full of His never-failing promises--is always available to renew and revive us. His Holy Spirit resides within us to equip, encourage, and empower us every moment of every day...
How on earth can we allow some rain or clouds or disappointment or frustration to steal our overwhelming hope and joy in Him?
Nope, not gonna happen. Not this day. Time to do a little preaching to yourself....because nobody preaches to you more than you! What are you preaching? Truth or lies? Encouragement or discouragement? Hope fueled by His promises or despair based on worldly passions?
Time to preach to yourself the Truth of the gospel rather than simply give in to your transient emotions and perceptions. You--yes, you--need to be both preacher and congregation!
That sun is up there right now, shining in the heavens, just as surely as night turns to day...just because we can't see it, doesn't mean it's not there. So, too, the perfect Son of God is shining and loving and forgiving and controlling in all His radiant glory. Even when you can't see Him or feel Him...He's there. Fully and faithfully in control. Holding all things together by the word of His power.
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." (Col.1:15-17)
All things. All things good and bad. All things joyous and sorrowful. All things wonderful and tragic--they are all, all, all under His sovereign, loving control. And He's promised He's using and working every single tremendous and tiny thing in our lives for our ultimate good and His greater glory. (Rom.8:28)
Even the weather. Even whatever hard, dark, confusing thing you might be enduring right at this moment.
Trust Him. The Son is there, just as surely as the sun is behind those clouds.
To God be the glory.
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