Life is Good... If We Let it!

“The believer is not the man whose days are weary for lack of comfort and whose nights are long on account of the absence of heart-cheering thought. The believer finds in faith such a spring of joy, such a fountain of consolation that he is content and happy. Put him in a dungeon, and he will find good company; place him in a barren wilderness, and he will eat the bread of heaven; drive him away from friendship, and he will meet the “friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Destroy all his shade, and he will find shadow beneath the Rock of Ages; erode the foundation of his earthly hopes, but his heart will still be fixed, trusting in the Lord.” – C.H. Spurgeon

As Christians, we have a lot going for us: salvation, forgiveness of sins, and an eternal home in heaven are at the top of the list. We have also been adopted into God’s family, which provides us with unfettered access not only to His throne of grace, but also to a vast support system of fellow believers.

Life is truly good if we let it!

But far too often, we fall prey to one of Satan’s most effective tactics, which is getting us to focus on our circumstances rather than God. Instead of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith (Hebrews 12:2); we become easily distracted by this world’s pleasures and pressures. By looking around instead of looking up, we tend to become dissatisfied with our lot in life as we see others prospering more than us. We also see the roadblocks Satan has put in our way, forgetting that many obstacles are merely opportunities in disguise.

And so, we start coveting and complaining, become more discouraged and disillusioned by the minute. All the while, Satan is laughing at how easily he managed to get us off track.

My friend, please don’t fall for the devil’s deceptions. Whenever you come across one of his devious plots, try praying and praising instead. And rather than lending him a listening ear, simply tell him to take a hike.

Remember, Peter walked on water in the midst of a raging storm until he stopped focusing on Jesus and started looking at the waves that were threatening to engulf him. And yet, even then Jesus reached out to rescue him, after which He offered a stern lecture about Peter’s lack of faith.

Be resolute, resolved, and rejoicing because you’ve already been ransomed, rescued, and redeemed.

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written, Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree. The purpose was that the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles by Christ Jesus, so that we could receive the promised Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:13-14 (CSB)

Rev. Dale M. Glading, President