Deep Rooted Trust

Soul Joy is a concept we presented in last week’s Word From The Pastor. Soul Joy is not based on our circumstances or possessions but on a deep rooted trust and satisfaction in God.  Today I would like to present an example of this concept.

    The example is Jesus who had every reason to not be joyous, or contented with God the Father.  Having been sent behind enemy lines to be abused and eventually be murdered for undeserving sinners, Jesus had every reason to not be joyous.  Yet, in Hebrews 12:1—2 it is said that He had joy in the face of these tremendous challenges.  I love the way The Message: The Bible In Contemporary Language states it:

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins.  Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.

    Please note from this account that Soul Joy does not mean that I must be weak and wimpy?  This is the farthest from the truth as the hope of an “exhilarating finish in and with God” empowered Jesus through incredible challenges.  Instead, a soul that has its joy in God is empowered to live boldly and powerfully for God in the midst of life’s storms. 

  So, how are you doing today?  Are you being energized in your walk with God?  I pray that you will follow the example of Jesus and not lose sight of the goal that is set before you.