On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your current level of joy and peace?
If you’re honest, you might have to admit that your joy-and-peace meter is directly tied to what’s going on in your life right now, whether positive or negative.
Just this week, I had the opportunity to talk with a fellow believer in Christ whose circumstances I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
Devastatingly heartbreaking, gut-wrenching circumstances.
Though my intention was to love on and encourage this person, I was the one who walked away encouraged.
I was the one blown away by the joy and peace that radiated from them, in spite of what was happening to them.
What is their secret? you might ask.
Their secret is in their believing.
To be more specific, their secret is in Whom they are believing.
If your joy-and-peace meter is low or even sitting on empty, lean in, listen to, and choose to believe the One in whom your joy and peace can be made full.
“My dearest darling, it is necessary for Me to remind you of what is true again and again.”
“You live and breathe in a world that continually broadcasts negative messages, trouble, and tragedy.”
“To combat these potentially debilitating distractions, a continual focus on spiritual reality is what you need most.”
“The gospel—the best news you will ever hear, believe, and receive—is that I was crucified, buried, raised to new life, and seated at the right hand of My Father in heaven so that you could be united with Me in eternal bliss.”
“While it is true that you won’t experience uninterrupted joy and peace in your circumstances on this earth, you will experience both with Me throughout eternity!”
“In the meantime, you will experience joy and peace to the degree that you set your mind on eternal reality.”
“To the degree that you believe Me.”
“You have been completely forgiven for the sins of your entire lifetime—past, present, and future.”
“I paid a horrific price so that the sin issue between you and Me could be obliterated forever.”
“And you cashed in on this incredible gift when you believed into Me!”
“The religious world will tell you, ‘Focus on your sins so you can overcome them.’”
“But I say, ‘Focus on Me and My finished work on the cross and experience wondrous delight!’”
“When you believed into Me, the old, sin-loving you was crucified with Me on the cross and the new, Son-loving you was born in My resurrection.”
“The one and only flawless you is pure, righteous, and holy forevermore!”
“If you hope to find sustained joy and peace in the circumstances of this world, you will be disappointed, discouraged, and possibly even depressed.”
“The only place you will consistently find true joy and peace is in believing Me.”
Dear reader, what truths are you believing right now that are giving you the most peace and joy?
Inspired by Song of Songs 4:7; Philippians 3:1; John 16:33; Hebrews 12:1–2; 2 Corinthians 4:17–18; Romans 1:16; 6:6; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:4–6; Colossians 1:22; 2:12–13; 3:1–4; 1 Peter 1:3; 2:24; John 15:11; 16:24; 17:13; Romans 14:17; 15:13; Ephesians 1:7; 4:32; Colossians 1:13-14; 2:13-14; Hebrews 10:10, 14; John 3:16; 19:30; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21; 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; Romans 8:6.
Today’s post is an excerpt from my newest book, Fifty Days in His Pursuing Love Devotional: Getting to Know the One Who Loved You First and Loves You Most.
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