Faith Brings Joy
If you watch the news for even five minutes you see that everyone is upset about something. Even at church, if you have a five minute conversation with some “Christians” they are complaining about something. Everybody seems to be miserable.
Yes, there are serious issues happening in our sinful world that need addressing. That’s why I love this passage of scripture in Romans. It’s a breath of fresh air and a wonderful escape into the true reality of Jesus Christ.
Faith Brings Joy Romans 5:1-6
1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. 6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.
This is an awesome promise that whatever is crappy in life, through faith in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection we can have abundant life. In verse one we can have peace. In verse two we have privilege. In verse three we can rejoice. In verse four we have hope. In verse five we have a hope that does not disappoint because the Holy Spirit fills our hearts with HIS love. And in verse six, when we are utterly helpless, Christ saves us!!! Now that’s good news!
Disney, Hollywood, New Age and even Hallmark tell you to wish upon a star and all your dreams will come true. That’s a lie that awakens a false hope that will definitely disappoint. Think about it. Little boys and girls, and adults as well, wish for good things to happen. But they still experience abuse, suffering, hopelessness, etc. Tinker Bell and pixie dust are the counterfeit and can’t make all your dreams come true. Furthermore, even many Christians dabble in the occult because they don’t know the power of the Holy Spirit and end up living miserable lives.
Stop “wishing upon a star” or for someday “somewhere over the rainbow” and start having the faith that brings joy, peace, privilege, hope, salvation, and love today. These are the truths that will set you free!! Have an attitude of upgrade, listen for God’s direction, obey His instruction, and actively watch for His favor. It’s a hope that will not disappoint!
May your mind and heart be filled with the kind of faith that brings joy, and a life of favor and upgrades, so that you will be blessed and be a blessing In Jesus Name!
