Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. 

John 6:68

You’ve probably heard it from many people in your life—believers and unbelievers alike, “How could a good God do this!?” And as a result of their anger, a shift occurs. Sometimes it’s gradual, a slow walking away. Other times, it’s like a slammed door in the face of the Almighty.

Maybe this is you. A hurt was experienced, and bitterness set in. Without forgiveness (toward another or self), the seed is planted. Soon, it’s rooted, settling into a seething (yet, oddly comfortable) anger that fashions a veil through which you see life. And certainly, you conclude, God is ultimately to blame.

But friend, God is never to blame. In fact, the Gardener of our soul is the only one who can free us from the agonizing entanglement we created. See, life was not meant to be hard or painful. God created it unspoiled, for our perfect enjoyment. But man, given free will to love and obey God’s Holy order, decided to pursue self-idolatry, breaking the relationship with the Creator. Because of this (sin), creation is now fallen—full of broken people running after other broken people and worldly things to find lasting peace. This never works though. People will fail us and hurt us. And if we turn to the toxic narrative of self-love, it’s like trying to pour yourself a glass of refreshing tea from an empty pitcher.

Nothing of this world can adequately fill the soul-level hole we all have. Instead, we must turn away from ourselves, others, and stuff and recognize there’s only one Way to peace, contentment, and joy: Jesus Christ. Relational restoration with God comes in believing the Gospel—that Jesus lived, died, and rose again to exchange our sin for His righteousness. When we put our faith in Jesus, we can rely on His completeness to replace our brokenness, emptiness, and selfishness. Because we are forgiven, we forgive. Because we’ve been given grace and mercy, we extend those to others. Because we are perfectly loved, we love. 

Life is difficult and the world will have troubles—Jesus said so Himself. But He has overcome the world so that we can have peace and joy (John 16:33). 

Beloved, have you turned away from Him in anger or resentment? Are you desperately grasping for something or someone to be a balm for your pain? Have you bought into the lie that the answer is “within you”? Turn (or turn back) to Jesus today. He has not only made a way of eternal restoration with the Father, but He will help you walk through this world on your way Home. As He promises in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

Psalm 51:12

I’m not exactly sure why, but I’ve been a bit bummed out lately. And I have no excuse, really. Sure, my family has a current challenges and struggles (like most people these days), but, overall, we are so very blessed. Although physical pain nags me, I am able to work to provide for our needs. We live in a comfortable home in an amazing community, and we are part of an incredible, Bible-believing church. 

So, why the melancholy? Well, it could be that whenever I tune in to what’s going on in our nation and world, a flood of negative emotions rushes in. Maybe it’s because I work from home all day in my little bubble, and when I venture out, I’m smacked in the face by a dystopian reality rapidly growing around me. So, despite being in the Word daily and worshipping with others twice a week, the pops of joy and peace seem way too short lived.

But David’s prayer in Psalm 51 was brought to mind, and his words washed over my soul: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation” (verse 12a). Now, “joy” is a great word study in the Bible—Old and New Testament. The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10)…Joy is to be lived out as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22)…We are to count it joy when we suffer trials (James 1:2)…Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2)…And we are exhorted to have joy (rejoice) always (1 Thessalonians 5:16). 

As inspiring and convicting as these (and the hundreds of others) “joy” references in God’s Word are, they can each leave us hanging with an all-important question: How do we embrace—and live out—Biblical joy? This is where David’s prayer comes in. 

As believers, we have a reason to celebrate that trumps anything this life could provide. It eclipses the most amazing family events, career experiences, vacations, and worldly “stuff”—all momentary things. Brothers and sisters, we have been given the greatest gift imaginable. Jesus has paid the price for our sin and handed us His righteousness. Our salvation has set us free, making us a new creation in Christ. There is no greater miracle—and no better reason for joy. 

No matter the highs or lows of this life, embracing the joy of our salvation creates a soul-level undercurrent of satisfaction. See, apart from Jesus, this world, from the heights of its glitter to the depths of its folly, is as good as it gets. But once we give our life to Him, we are simply on our way Home. The beauty around us is an infinitesimal taste of Heaven, and our pain and trouble are “light and momentary” (2 Corinthians 4:17) in the view of eternity.

Because of our faith in Jesus, we have a confident hope within us setting a foundation of everlasting joy. So, as we walk through this temporary world full of eternal souls, let’s not only grasp tightly to the joy of our own salvation, let’s share the Good News with others…and spread the joy.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:15

As believers, we are exhorted throughout the Bible to have an eternal perspective, setting our minds on things above, not on the things of this earth (Colossians 3:2). From the Old Testament writers to the Apostles’ letters, we’re told to keep our eyes on the Lord (Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 141:8, Hebrews 12:1-2). We’re called to be in the world, but not of it. 

I don’t know about you, but over the past 14 months or so, that’s been a real challenge. I feel like I’m constantly vacillating between being wholly focused on the Lord, His Truth, and doing His will and being obsessed by the societal madness going on around me—the likes of which I’ve not seen in my lifetime. It’s as if the “in it” and “of it” are duking it out on a daily basis to see who’ll be victorious. 

Jesus promised us that we’ll have troubles in this world, so it’s not like anything (illness, job loss, cultural wars, or pandemics) should surprise us. We’re even commanded to be anxious for nothing. Moreover, regardless of what’s going on around us, we know Who wins in the end—so why worry and get all spun about it all, right? Easier said than done, for sure.

So, what’s the answer? As Christ followers, we have a solid Foundation on which to stand (1 Corinthians 3:11), an unchanging Strong Tower where we can run and be safe (Proverbs 18:10). We are citizens of Heaven, a Kingdom where Jesus is on the throne—no matter what’s going on around us. It’s on these facts that we must anchor our mind and heart. It’s clear. And simple. But it takes intention. Every morning, as we open our eyes, washed afresh with the new mercies of God, we must plant our feet on God’s Word. Instead of immediately opening our phone for the latest fear-mongering headlines or rabbit-hole-descending social media trail, let’s open our mouth in praise of God’s amazing grace and holiness.

It’s about surrendering each and every moment to the Lord. He is in control of the big picture and the smallest detail. And we have the Holy Spirit living in us to guide and counsel us…if we ask Him to. Although we can’t really put our head completely in the sand (even if it seems really tempting), we can look at what’s happening around us through the lens of eternity and the knowledge of Truth. 

Until the Lord calls us home, beloved, we are in the world. But by staying rooted in His Word, steeped in fellowship, and aware of every blessing He’s provided, we can certainly avoid being of the world.

Out came the man who had died, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

John 11:44

Don’t you love it when rereading a familiar Bible passage reveals new insights into God’s amazing grace? Most Christians probably know the account of when Jesus resurrected His friend Lazarus from the grave. This powerful chapter in John’s gospel includes one of our Lord’s bold—and crystal clear—declarations that He is the Christ, the Son of God…the resurrection and the life (John 11:25-27). Amen!

Beyond the proclamation of who Jesus is, this chapter has much to say about who we are. This is what struck me afresh. We are like Lazarus. As fallen humanity, we were all dead in our sins (Romans 6:11; Ephesians 2:1). We were bound up in our own depravity and failures, despite our best efforts. And, although we go to great lengths to cover ourselves in spices (good deeds) and wrappings (the trappings this world), we still wreak of death. 

But Jesus has called us out of our grave! And when we accept that call of the Savior, we can walk away from our past, trading a life in darkness for one in His glorious light (1 Peter 2:9). We are made alive in Him, not just now but for eternity (John 5:24; 1 John 5:11-13).

Then, there are two little words in the account that leapt off the page to me. Well, these words aren’t “little” at all, but rather a command from the Creator of the Universe Himself. Jesus says, “Unbind him” (vs. 44). Do you get this? When we are called out of the mess of our self-centered, idol-worshipping proverbial grave, we are not only given new life, we are set free (John 8:36)! In my sanctified imagination, I picture Jesus delivering those two words with His eyes piercing my very soul…but, brother and sister, He’s talking directly to the enemy, Satan. 

When we trust the Lord, surrendering everything to Him, Jesus’ victory is ours. We are hidden in Christ (Col 3:3) and no one can snatch us out of His hand (John 10:28-29). Satan has no more power over us. Sure, he does his best to condemn us—but there is no condemnation for those in Christ (Romans 8:1). He’ll pull out every tool from his evil arsenal to trip us up, soil our testimony, and keep us from telling others about Jesus. But he’s already lost his grip on our soul.

We have been unbound.

What about you? You don’t have to stay wrapped in the stench of sin and death. Jesus is calling you out of your grave. Take the step toward life in Christ and be free.

For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus…There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 

Galatians 3:26, 28

There’s a lot of talk these days about “privilege,” defined by Merriam-Webster.com as “a right of immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor.” The current narrative, of course, has to do with immutable characteristics (i.e., melanin level), which is just plain silly for a plethora of reasons…but I won’t go there. Instead, I want to focus on this weighty word as it pertains to all Christians. Because, friends, Christians are the truly privileged of this world.  

You might be shaking your head as your mind goes right to the millions of persecuted believers around the world—greater numbers now than ever. And “privileged” may not be the word you’d use to describe the countless (and media-ignored) Christians martyred daily for their faith in Jesus. Then there’s our own nation, literally founded on the freedom to worship, currently with shuttered churches and canceled voices. So, are followers of Jesus Christ truly “privileged”? Here are the top three reasons why that answer is a resounding YES.

1. We have the Bible—whole, complete, inerrant. 

The longer we study God’s Word, the clearer it becomes…there is only one theme throughout all 66 books: Jesus. The whole Old Testament points to the coming Messiah, from the Fall in the Garden to the John the Baptist. And though God’s faithful prophets predicted the coming sufferings and glories of Christ, they could only look ahead in hope, knowing they were preaching something they would not experience (1 Peter 1:10-12). Even New Testament believers, although they had the message of the first missionaries and powerful letters being sent from church to church, they did not have a complete living and powerful word (Hebrews 4:12).  

2. We have the Holy Spirit living in us to comfort, convict, and control us.

Upon salvation (the recognition of our sin leading to repentance and acceptance of Jesus’ completed work on the cross for us), we are immediately indwelt and sealed with the Holy Spirit—God Himself is living in us. He is our helper and teacher (John 14:26), our strength and intercessor (Romans 8:26). The more we surrender ourselves to Him, the more we can reflect the love of God to our foolish and hostile world (Galatians 5:22-23).

3. We have our identity in Christ.

As a Christian, we each have become a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). We are children of God (John 1:12) and the friend of Jesus (John 15:15). Our life is hidden in Christ (Col 3:3)—our sin covered completely by His righteousness so we can ultimately stand unashamed and unblemished before a Holy God.

Brothers and sisters, we are all, by definition, privileged. Because of Jesus, we have “immunity” from the sufferings of hell. We have the “advantage” of God living in us as we walk through this world. And we are, in fact, “favored”: But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).

“One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”

John 9:25b

My Bible reading this morning brought me to one of my favorite places: the ninth chapter of John’s gospel. If you’ve read the gospels, the story here is probably familiar to you—it’s when Jesus heals the blind man on the Sabbath by making a clay for his eyes and having him wash in one of the temple pools. There is so much to unpack in every word and action. But one reason it’s so special to me is that, after 30 years of churchgoing, this was this passage that finally opened my own eyes to the Truth of Jesus Christ.

This man’s entire life was transformed by Jesus, yet no one celebrates with him. Instead, they were too busy worried about the fact that his healing took place on the Sabbath—and whether or not the One who healed him sinned because of it. But this guy’s responses to the whole thing were awesome. (Some of his retorts to the Pharisees were rather snarky, so maybe that’s why I like him so much.)

First, his neighbors were quarrelling among themselves whether this was actually the blind guy whom they knew to be a lifelong beggar. When they asked him directly, he simply told them what happened, which no one could argue or deny (v11). Probably out of fear, they brought him to the Pharisees—no work (including healing) allowed on the Sabbath, and rules were rules. And when the Pharisees asked and he told them what happened, they didn’t believe that he was once blind. So, they sent for his parents, who did confirm he was their son and that he was born blind. But because they were also fearful of the Pharisees, they left it at that, saying, “He’s an adult, ask him!”

When the Pharisees turned back to the (likely exasperated) healed man, demanding he agree that Jesus was a sinner, he gives the most concise and eloquent response: “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see” (vs 25).

Friend, if you are a Christian, this is your testimony too. It’s mine. And it belongs to every believer, regardless of where, when, or how we surrendered to Jesus as Lord. We were once blind to the Truth, and now our eyes have been opened. This is an indisputable fact, a powerful evangelism tool we each possess to share the Good News with others. No theology or apologetics degree required. Of course, we must always be maturing in our walk with the Lord. And we need to know God’s Word and be ready to provide an answer for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15). 

But whether we’re talking to someone who’s never heard the name of Jesus (like the healed man’s neighbors) or to a belligerent, vitriolic hater (like the Pharisees), this simple—and profound, lifechanging—truth is an irrefutable place to start. No fear required. “I once was blind, but now I see.”

The Israelites said to (Aaron and Moses), “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.”

Exodus 16:3

If you’re older in the faith, you’re probably familiar with the narrative of Exodus. It’s like a great novel. In it, we’re amazed at Pharaoh’s hardened heart as plague after plague hits, yet he doesn’t free the Israelites. Then, we gasp as the angel of death passes through, leaving every firstborn dead but those who’ve painted their doorposts with sacrificial lamb’s blood. Finally, we’re thrilled as millions of Jews walk on dry land through the Red Sea, escaping the pursuit of the Egyptian army…and we celebrate that army’s demise.

Ah, but then we find ourselves shaking our heads in disbelief as the Israelites—freed from bondage and daily terror—begin complaining to Moses about God. “Oh, our days in Egypt were so awesome! Remember the delicious food and good times?”

Really? Despite the constant presence of God—a pillar of smoke by day and fire by night—and miracle after miracle, the Israelites had the audacity to complain? They whined about their current circumstances and pined for the past.

But, before I get too self-righteous, I am going to admit that I do the exact same thing sometimes. In fact, just the other day, I was whining and pining…and I did so in spite of the Lord’s amazing grace, mercy and provision.

In direct parallel with the Jewish people, we were once slaves to sin, destined for death. But God, through Jesus, freed us and gave us new life. And if that weren’t enough for us to be eternally grateful, He is also gracious to provide us with family, friends, food and shelter—not to mention the very breath in our lungs.

Yet, despite all this, it’s way too easy for us to look around at our circumstances and wish for what used to be. To look back with rose-colored glasses at a past from which He clearly rescued us. There are stones of remembrance all along our paths—and His glory right in front of us. But the enemy whispers in our ears, “Don’t you remember how great life was before?”

Sisters and brothers, let’s not let the evil one turn our eyes from all the Lord has done. Let’s stay focused on where He has us now…because it’s just where He wants us. And, remember, the Promised Land is not that far away.

“Lord, forgive me for my ungratefulness and forgetfulness. Keep my eyes on You and Your miraculous grace.”

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

1 Peter 2:9

When I was growing up, I was taught that looking good to others was very important. Whether it was keeping my weight down, wearing the right clothes, earning straight A’s, or having a handsome boyfriend, being “good enough” was imperative. Outside of these parameters, approval was very hard to come by. In fact, if a report card had six A’s and one B+, a typical response was, “What’s that B doing there?” I probably sought out affirmation a bit more vehemently than my peers because perfect was the expectation. Sadly, this approval-seeking took me down some dark paths for a lot of years as I tried to fill a vacuum-like void. 

I would learn, after three decades of futile pursuits, that this soul-level hole was God-shaped, and it was only when I accepted Jesus Christ and His grace that I would be truly “enough.” Don’t get me wrong. The years since my surrender have been fraught with plenty of battles for approval, and the need for perfection is a hard habit to break. 

Many of us, for myriad reasons, have (or still do) live for affirmation. In truth, today’s social-media culture is more obsessed with living for affirmation than any other time I’ve witnessed. “Enoughness” is all about the accumulated likes and positive comments. The desperate need for approval creates fragile hearts, establishes superficial existences, and even destroys lives.

As Christians, we have a greater Truth on which to stand. God loved you so much that He gave His only Son so that you would have eternal life (John 3:16). You are a beloved child of God through Christ (1 John 3:1), and nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:35-39). You have been saved through faith alone, not by anything you did or didn’t do (Ephesians 2:8-9). No one will snatch you out of the hand of your Savior, and you will never perish (John 10:28).

Now that is some serious affirmation! 

So, instead of living for the approval of others, which is as fickle as the wind, let’s cling to the knowledge of the miraculous life we have in Jesus. (It’s so mind-blowing that Jesus loved me in all my sin and paid the penalty I deserved to make a way for me to live eternally with God. Let that really sink in.) Then, let’s live from that love and affirmation! Let’s forgive, serve, and extend grace out of the overflow from our Lord. 

Most importantly, let’s share this Good News. There are so many hurting people, looking for affirmation, hope, and love in all the wrong places. Seeking soul-satisfaction in another flawed and hurting person. But this is a fruitless search. Let’s tell them about the freedom from inadequacy available for the asking. 

Tell them that through Jesus—and only Jesus—we are truly enough.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18

The Bible has a lot to say about fools, especially in the Old Testament. Fools are described as those who ignore or scoff God and His Word. And they’re often directly contrasted with the wise. Ultimately, the fool’s thinking, words, and actions result in other-than-positive outcomes. Here are just a few warnings against foolishness from the book of Proverbs:

• The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction (1:7).

• One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless (14:16).

• A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back (29:11).

• The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice (12:15).

• If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet (29:9).

• It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling (20:23).

• Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly (26:11).

• A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion (18:2).

A great bottom-line verse is found in Psalm 14:1: The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good.

Considering what’s happening in our culture right now, these are interesting insights when you think about who/what is getting media attention. But there I go digressing again. 

The fact is, we are all fools—fallen, sinful, and following our own pleasures. Only when we turn to the Lord and obey His ways can we be wise. By His mercy, we are made new (Titus 3:1-11). Not that we won’t make stupid decisions or say unwise things, because we will. But we’ll recognize our foolishness (key!), ask for forgiveness, and turn away from it.

But, as a follower of Jesus Christ, we must recognize a truth that is as pertinent today as it was in the first century: In the eyes of the world, we’re the ones who will look like fools. From our belief in the One, True, and Living God to our knowledge of salvation through the finished work of Jesus and our adherence to the inerrant truths of the Bible, we will be going against the crowd. And as the cultural “norms” continue to swing further away from God’s design for the world and people in it, the more foolish we will seem. 

Have you seen it? Experienced it? Maybe you’ve been mocked for your trust in God. Perhaps you’ve lost friends because you’ve stood for Truth, and they called you a “narrow-minded hateful person.” Or maybe you’ve even lost or left a job because you refused to act contrary to the Bible’s teaching. 

Brothers and sisters, count it all joy (James 1:2) and take heart! The broad road leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14), so let them have it. 

Call me a fool, but I’ll take the narrow road.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

As Christians, all we have to do is look around at the American culture—and the world—to think, “Yep, Jesus is coming back soon.” (Or, if you’re like me, that has become a more fervent prayer.) Although first-century believers thought Jesus’ return would be in their lifetime, we can say with perfect confidence that the time of His coming back is in fact nearer than it was then—at least by a couple millennia. And, despite the crazy “prophetic” predictions through the generations of actual dates, no one but God knows the day or time of Jesus’ return (Matthew 24:36). We must simply rest in the truth that, like His first coming as Servant-Messiah, the timing will be perfect. (Galatians 4:4; John 14:3). 

In terms of His return for His Church (the rapture), and then His coming back thereafter as Judge and King, the Lord is near. In fact, Christ’s “near” return is consistently woven through the New Testament, from Matthew’s gospel to the last verse of Revelation. And we can take great comfort in this. 

But there is another thread of encouraging truth throughout God’s Word using the same four words, but with a different meaning. Grammar geeks like me can think of it as a phrase-level homonym: The Lord is near. When we choose to put our trust in Jesus, surrendering everything to Him as our Lord and Savior, He is always with us (Matthew 28:20). The Holy Spirit—God Himself—lives in us (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16). And you can’t get much nearer than that! 

When we are pressed by the weight of world and its insanity, the Lord is with us (Psalm 34:18). In our troubles, grief, and anxiety, He provides comfort (Matthew 5:4; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Revelation 21:4). When discouragement, despair, and hopelessness descend, we can allow the power of the Holy spirit to overflow within us with the hope and peace of God, lifting the veil of darkness to reveal His glorious Truth (Romans 15:13). And when we the enemy’s hiss reaches our ear with the lie, “no one cares about you,” and desparate loneliness settles in like a wet blanket, remember that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:5).

The Lord is near. When we trust in Him, we are never alone. We need not be afraid or anxious. 

What about you? Have you laid down the heavy burdens of this world and accepted the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ? He will give you rest for your soul (Matthew 11:28-30). Instead of pushing Him away any longer, open your arms and bring Him near.