Going Deeper | Finding Joy in Uncertain Times - Part 6
Christ the Solid Rock
—
When I was a kid, I was not a fan of roller coasters. The ups, the downs, the loops, the whole deal. I didn’t experience any joy from them. My emotional state was jerked with each twist and turn. It wasn’t until I was older that I learned, the secret to enjoying roller coasters is in knowing how safe they truly are.
We all experience both exceptional and dreadful times. But when we tie our joy to the circumstances we face, we’re unable to find contentment, no matter how hard we try. If that’s the case, then we must ask ourselves: How can we be content, and how can we have joy regardless of the situation? Well, Paul actually clues us in on the secret to joy and contentment in Philippians 4:12-13:
So Paul’s secret to being content is nothing other than Christ. When our contentment rests not on our circumstances, but on Jesus — who He is and what He has done for us — then we can be not only content but joyful in the worst of times. All too often, we hinge our peace on our ever changing situation instead of on the immutable rock that is Christ.
The Great Commission is one of Jesus’ most well-known exhortations. However, it is in the bookends of this commission that we find one of the dearest promises Christ has made to us. He begins by asserting something that only God could: “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18) The president of the U.S. is often considered to have more power than nearly every other person in the world. But the authority and power of the president pales in comparison to that of the Son of God.
Not only does Jesus have all authority on heaven and earth, he also states in Matthew 28:20, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Read that again. “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” The one who has all authority, unlimited power and total control promises to be with you always. Because Jesus is with us, we have nothing to fear.
What can we do to help remind ourselves of this promise? My encouragement would be to memorize these verses. Knowing the scripture by heart will help when you are in uncertain times; you can draw from the well of living water that is God’s word.
Christ the Solid Rock
—
When I was a kid, I was not a fan of roller coasters. The ups, the downs, the loops, the whole deal. I didn’t experience any joy from them. My emotional state was jerked with each twist and turn. It wasn’t until I was older that I learned, the secret to enjoying roller coasters is in knowing how safe they truly are.
We all experience both exceptional and dreadful times. But when we tie our joy to the circumstances we face, we’re unable to find contentment, no matter how hard we try. If that’s the case, then we must ask ourselves: How can we be content, and how can we have joy regardless of the situation? Well, Paul actually clues us in on the secret to joy and contentment in Philippians 4:12-13:
"I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through [Christ] who strengthens me."
So Paul’s secret to being content is nothing other than Christ. When our contentment rests not on our circumstances, but on Jesus — who He is and what He has done for us — then we can be not only content but joyful in the worst of times. All too often, we hinge our peace on our ever changing situation instead of on the immutable rock that is Christ.
The Great Commission is one of Jesus’ most well-known exhortations. However, it is in the bookends of this commission that we find one of the dearest promises Christ has made to us. He begins by asserting something that only God could: “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18) The president of the U.S. is often considered to have more power than nearly every other person in the world. But the authority and power of the president pales in comparison to that of the Son of God.
Not only does Jesus have all authority on heaven and earth, he also states in Matthew 28:20, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Read that again. “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” The one who has all authority, unlimited power and total control promises to be with you always. Because Jesus is with us, we have nothing to fear.
What can we do to help remind ourselves of this promise? My encouragement would be to memorize these verses. Knowing the scripture by heart will help when you are in uncertain times; you can draw from the well of living water that is God’s word.
Author: Andrew Archer, Student Ministry Director
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