Good News of Great Joy
Life can be overwhelming at times especially when you feel like you are on your own. God wants you to step back and see that He is working. He wants to you to have faith in who He is and what He can do.
“I am God, the God of your father. Don’t be afraid to go down into Egypt, for there I will make of you a great nation. I will go down with you into Egypt. I will also surely bring you up again."
Genesis 46:3-4, 26, 29-30
Jacob had a decision to make. Do I leave all that I have known and go to a new place or stay where I am? We daily face this decision. Do I stay in my comfort zone and patterns I have been in or do I take a step of faith? Jacob's experience is so much like our own. God does not tell him the whole plan or how things will work out. He simply says do not be afraid for I am with you. This statement challenges the very core of how we feel and asks us if we will trust Him. What are you facing today? What step are you unsure of whether to take?
“Come, see Yahweh’s works...Be still, and know that I am God."
Psalms 46:8, 10
We live in a face paced, busy world. Do you ever wonder where God is in the busyness of life? God is calling you to slow down. Be still. Take a breath. Stop trying to do things on your own and trust that God has a plan. How have you built margin into your day to stop and be still before God? How does it make you feel when you stop and simply be present in a quiet moment before God?
“By night on my bed, I sought him whom my soul loves. I sought him, but I didn’t find him."
Song of Solomon 3:1, 3
What are you seeking? What does your soul want the most? If you find what you are seeking will it bring you joy and contentment? The world is full of people seeking things other than God. God promises that if you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you. You can always find the God who loves you when you turn to Him.
“To whom will you compare me, and consider my equal, and compare me, as if we were the same? Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other. I am God, and there is none like me. I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done."
Isaiah 46:5, 9-10, 12-13
How do you see God? Can you picture Jesus face? Is He smiling or frowning? Expressionless or excited to see you? We live in a world of comparison and there is a temptation to look at God based on what we have seen and consider Him like what we know. God is beyond all knowledge and greater than we could imagine. Today is a day to look up, look out, and stand in awe of God. To praise the God Almighty who has no equal and whose love endures forever.
“Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Luke 2:9-11, 13-14, 20, 52
This story is most often told at Christmas, but is one that we should share every day. It is the day the light broke through the darkness and the savior of the world was born. The message in Luke connects with the message to Jacob. Do not be afraid. God is with you. The Son of God came that we might have peace and praise the God who sent Him.
What fears are you facing? God says let them go, fear is a liar. Do not be afraid, choose to have faith in Me. Believe that God made us, Jesus is with us, the Holy Spirit lives in us. What is the good news? You will never be alone and with God you can move boldly as you step out in faith today.