This is a rather funny picture and it reminded me of another picture I recently came across in a public, unisex bathroom. We all know public restrooms are not known for their aesthetic beauty, which is why this sign was so funny. It was actually a painting hanging up in the bathroom and in fancy writing it said, "Take time to delight in your surroundings." How odd to find such an expression in a public restroom, where taking delight in our surroundings seems so counter-intuitive.
However, it got me to thinking how we as God's holy people are called to rejoice in all circumstances. Are we able to rejoice in our present circumstances in life? Or are we overwhelmed and our joy seems robbed and hope all but diminished? Can we find hope and delight in our circumstances, no matter where we may find ourselves in life? If we possess Jesus Christ, we most certainly can.
This Sunday I am starting a new series entitled, "A Special Christmas Blend." The first sermon is dealing with how to blend hope into our holidays. One way we can do this is by intentionally delighting in our circumstances, no matter what they may be. The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Philippians and it is referred to as the book of joy. Ironically, Paul wrote it from prison not knowing if he would live or die. In Philippians 4, Paul tells us to rejoice in the Lord always. I want to encourage us to rejoice and delight in the Lord, no matter what our surroundings may be and no matter how we may feel. Often times, right actions lead to right feelings and praising God when we don't have feelings of praise is not being hypocritical, but rather faithful to the command of scripture.
So take time this week, to intentionally delight in the One who surrounds you, indwells you and protects you. No matter what our surroundings may be, we are enveloped and indwelt by Jesus Christ, our living hope and the only hope for the word. As we intentionally praise God no matter our predicament, I am wondering if we will discover hope and peace come Sunday.
Beams Away!
Brett
It's getting easier and easier to rob ourselves of joy these days. Afterall, if it's not all about me what's the point of life? Not that long ago I had a great life. Things were good and I was comfortable. Then all that changed. This was the first Thanksgiving that I couldn't genuinely feel thankful about anything outside the norm.
ReplyDeleteDaily I've been longing for hope and purpose in my circumstances. What's the point Lord? What impact can I possibly have in these impossible circumstances...and then a child crosses my path who waits for an organ transplant.
Being intentional is key to finding hope in our circumstances. God speaks to me every day but am I intentional about listening and seeing the hope he puts in my path? Being intentional sounds like a good place to start and I have a feeling joy and hope will be close behind.