Admit the Son
In His presence is fullness of joy. Psalm 16:11
The joy of the Lord is his strength. Neh 8:10
Dear friends,
Would you consider yourself content? A few of Webster’s synonyms include satisfied, fulfilled, unworried, untroubled, at ease. On average, how many times each day do you fret? Feel anxious? Say to yourself, “I will be happy when ___.” When, sister? When will you embrace the joy of the Lord? What dark cloud is blocking your Savior’s love? In previous letters I have confessed I am prone to worry any time I encounter an unexpected expense. As I said previously [https://www.livewellbygrace.com/letters-blog/2019/2/8/modify-me] “Imagine God, who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, pacing back and forth across the heavenly living room worried about where the money will come to fix my oven.” What about you sister? Do you believe God is attuned to your concern? Are you doubting He can help? Is He able, saints, or is He not? Where is the line – at what point – does your problem exceed His ability? Maybe its not the intensity of your trouble but the quantity. Like the great Pacific Northwest, it’s raining uncomfortable inconveniences and you’re simply ready for a break in the weather.
How does your outlook – your reaction to difficulties – impact your food and exercise? When you’re down in the dumps do you don your tennies and go for a brisk walk, or do you dive into a bag of Doritos?
Robert Murray McCheyne was the minister of St Peter's Church in Dundee, Scotland from 1836 to 1843. His most notable biography was Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray McCheyne by his good friend Andrew Bonar. He quotes Pastor M: “For every one time you look at yourself take ten looks at Christ. He is altogether lovely. Live much in the smiles of God. Bask in His beams. Feel His all-seeing eye settle on you in love. And repose in His almighty arms.”
Will you sing now with me the chorus of one of my favorite hymns? I’m sure you’re familiar with it:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.
Oh sisters, marvel at His glory… His grace…
Mr. McCheyne also says, “Glimpses into the dark rooms of the heart alone give no good prospect. We should take help from the windows. Open the shutters! Admit the sun! So if you wish to look well inwardly, look well out.”
Do you find yourself stuck in the dark room of your bothered brain? Open the shutters, saints! Admit the Son! Bask in His beams! The joy of the Lord is your strength! Do NOT allow that devious dog Satan to deceive you into the doldrums. He loves to see you down in the dumps, focusing on your temporary trials! Right this minute, girls, stand up and sing our theme song aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_HQBktwjVk&start_radio=1&list=RDo_HQBktwjVk
Oh how I hate the devil. We are not going to allow him to take over our mind and emotions. Let’s live much in the smiles of God. Call up a friend right now and tell her what verse(s) you will memorize this week while you move your body and soul. In His presence is fullness of joy!
Live Well,
Grace