June 2024 Archives
Don’t Neglect to Be Joyful
Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything, and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. ~Deuteronomy 28:47-48
When you read Exodus through Deuteronomy, you know there is a much bigger picture than what I’m highlighting here, but I was struck that much of the calamity God was sending on the Israelites was due to their lack of joy and gratitude. He had done so much for them, but they had a way of always seeing what they didn’t have.
Many today are the same way. Single people desire to be married while married people wish they were single. Discontentment fills the workplace, the church, the family. And can one make enough money these days? There is nothing wrong with trying to do better or be better, but when that becomes your obsession, it may have crossed over into ingratitude.
I just finished a Bible study on Philippians entitled, Joy in the Midst. Throughout this epistle, Paul tells us to rejoice. Whether it was fellow believers rejoicing with him or just in general, he emphasized the importance of being joyful in all circumstances. I thank God often for calling me, for bringing me through trials and continuing to care for me as only He can.
If you are unfortunate enough to have an enemy or an adversary, think about what it would be like to serve that person. That in itself may bring you to your knees in thanksgiving that you serve, not a harsh taskmaster, but a loving Father who, like all of us, desires to be loved and appreciated.
Dixie McKeithen Has Passed Away
It’s been a long time since I heard the McKeithen name mentioned, but this was another group I listened to on the radio when I was a teenager. Dixie and her husband, Tim, sang with the Hemphills before forming their own group. Dixie’s death came only three months after being diagnosed with cancer, but I expect she is now singing the Song of the Redeemed. My prayers are with Tim, Angelina, and the rest of the family.
The Recipe for Peace
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:6-7
Anxiety. An emotion many struggle with and yet one which Scripture warns against. I think of Peter walking on the water. When his eyes were fixed on Jesus, he had no fear, but when he looked down, his faith dissipated. In the above Scripture, Paul instructs us to present our requests to God while we give Him thanks. He doesn’t say we will then receive what we ask for, but he does promise that God will give us peace beyond understanding.
I don’t understand why people get mad at God when their prayers are not answered. Even when God does not give me what I want, I’ve experienced peace that lets me know that, even though His ways are not my ways, He is still there to provide care and comfort.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. ~Philippians 4:8-9
Years ago, I found myself watching local news on a nightly basis. Before long, I was afraid to be outside at night. The things I was seeing and hearing did not cultivate peace, so I stopped watching, and I still don’t watch news unless I’m with someone who is doing so.
If you find yourself fearful and anxious, consider what you are focusing on. Do your thoughts line up with Philippians 4:8, or are they filled with violence, horror, circumstances, and other negative things? If the latter, it’s not too late to change. Begin now to look to Jesus, praising Him for how good He is and what He is doing. Then ask Him to fill you with His peace that passes understanding.
