“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalms 34:18

The reality is there are a lot of people who have lost jobs, and some have even lost loved ones. Some are gripped with fear and some are plagued with failure. Then there are those of us are simply worn out.

Have you sensed the Lord is near to you?

David wrote many Psalms, like this one, so we know that he was writing from experience. He feared for his life and had to spend nights quarantined in nasty caves. David has some idea of what we are going through. He knew what it was like to feel worn out, he knew the pain of sorrow and grief and yet he also knew that the Lord hadn’t abandoned him, but that He was near.

Jesus knows what it’s like to be brokenhearted and crushed. “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5). He was abandoned by everyone. Jesus has some idea of what we are going through.

The Father is not blind to what you are going through. He watched his one and only Son get beaten and broken by His own creation. He watched His son die brutally on a cross.

Maybe you have felt the Lord has been far away during these times. But the Lord hasn’t abandoned you, He is near you! He is ready to revive you in your pain.

If you are struggling to sense the nearness of God, then pray to Him and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Maybe you are experiencing the presence of God in a powerful way, it’s time to seek out and draw near to those who are brokenhearted and comfort those who are crushed in Spirit.

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I have read this verse over and over again and have even committed it to memory and yet, recently, I was struck with the last three words, “in Christ Jesus.” This verse has mostly felt like a goal that is way far off and even impossible, but these three words have changed everything for me. I have mostly tried to do these three commands out of my own strength and grit. Oh how I have sold myself short, forgetting who it is that is within me. Jesus Christ, who all the fullness of God dwells in, dwells in me! And because of that, the impossible is now possible.

I can rejoice in the One who saved me from myself and gives me new life. I can have intimate conversations with the God of the universe whenever I want. I don’t have to give thanks for every circumstance, but I can give thanks in everything that happens to me. I can be grateful that, regardless my circumstances, I have a God who is working all things for His good.

God’s will for us is that we fully embrace all that we have in Christ and all that we are in Christ. His will for us is that we would be full of joy, in perfect, constant union with Him, and be able to give thanks regardless of our circumstances. We can accomplish these three commands with three words, “in Christ Jesus.”

Spend some time in prayer giving all you are to all that He is. Ask Him to remind you of who you really are “in Christ Jesus.”

“Let joy be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 TPT

“Give thanks in all circumstances…” 1Thessalonians 5:18

Make sure you are reading this right. Paul, who wrote this, is not saying that we should give thanks for all circumstances but to give thanks in all circumstances.

Be careful when you simply say, “everything happens for a reason” because not everything that happens to you comes from God. Sometimes things happen in our lives as a result of sin and sometimes things happen because of evil in our world. But when bad things happen we can be thankful for God’s constant presence in our lives as well as the fact that regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in, or why things happen, we can be thankful that God is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

In this world it is easy for me to slip into comparing myself to others and feeling like I don’t have as much, yet the reality is, I have a lot to be thankful for. When I am struggling with thankfulness, the Lord often reminds me of my trip to Rwanda, Africa. I remember very specifically this boy with only an old t-shirt which he used to cover himself, because he didn’t have shorts or pants or even underwear. Yet, even though he basically had nothing, he was one of the happiest and loving kids I have ever met. Compared to him, I am a spoiled brat.

Regardless of who you are comparing yourself to, as a believer in Christ, you have been given life, love, and a God who relentlessly pursues you even when you are not pursuing Him. Be grateful your sins are not counted against you. He has removed them “as far as the east is from the west.” With all the craziness and destruction around you, be thankful that this is not your permanent home. Jesus is preparing a place for you.

Spend some time confessing to the Lord where you you have been a spoiled brat. Now spend some more time giving thanks to Him for who He is and what He has done for you and what He is doing in you.

“pray continually” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Don’t worry. Praying continually doesn’t mean you have to kneel for the rest of your life with your hands folded and eyes closed! The more you pray the more you’ll find you can pray anytime and anywhere. 

This kind of prayer is more of an attitude that an actual uttering of words. It is sort of a centering of self except you are centering not on yourself but on the One who created you. Praying constantly reminds you that God is always in control. We are acknowledging our dependence on Him and realizing His presence in our lives. If you just remember those three things you will thrive in life. 

Still, for many, prayer is still a struggle. It feels like more of a chore and the idea of having to pray all day sounds more like a punishment. I suspect, as my friend Jim Branch realized, that “maybe our definition of prayer is far too small and rigid. Prayer isn’t so much about performing a duty as it is about building a wonderfully initmate relationship. Prayer isn’t simply throwing all the words we can muster at the unseen God, but it – at its very core – has always been about union with the God who lives within us.”

Why did God ask us to pray continually? Because prayer is to your soul as breathing is to your body. If you don’t breathe, you cannot live. If you don’t pray, your soul will cease to thrive. 

This is also how you can “be joyful always.”

Spend some time in prayer right now. Ask the Lord to expand your definition of prayer and to help you to tune in to the conversation that is already going on in heaven between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Ask Him to awaken you to His presence in your life. Open up the lines of communication with the Lord all day today, conversing with Him throughout the day. Remember, the goal is relationship and union.

“Be joyful always” 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Take note that this is not saying just put on a happy face. Joy is much deeper. You can manufacture a happy face but joy, joy is not so easy to come by, especially during trials. It’s hard to tell someone who has lost a love one to be happy, and even harder still to tell them to be joyful. I have read this verse in the midst of hard circumstances and it felt more like a slap in the face or a punch in the gut. 

It might help here to understand what joy is and what it is not. It is not happiness that depends on our circumstances and our moods, which has to do with our emotions or place in life. If joy depended on those things we’d all be in trouble, wouldn’t we? 

Joy comes from the One who is greater than our circumstances, and our emotions, and our moods. So many times we make it about us, our feelings and emotions and circumstances, which can change instantly. Real joy comes from the One who holds all things together, and who loves you deeply, and who never changes.

Joy comes from God. It goes past human understanding and circumstances. And that is worth finding!

Spend some time praying to the Lord asking him to teach you how to dwell in his house and experience the joy that only He can provide, that you might get a taste of His goodness now and the goodness to come. And that this experience might soothe your heart and bring you real joy despite your circumstances.

“I have told you these things so that you will be whole and at peace. In this world, you will be plagued with times of trouble, but you need not fear; I have triumphed over this corrupt world order.” –Jesus (John 16:33 VOICE)

Does your life feel fractured or broken?

Can you imagine what it would be like to be made whole again?

Jesus’ offer to us is peace. Not peace around us but peace within us.

The truth is that we live in a broken and fractured and godless world that is falling apart. Things will seem like they are crashing down around you. But while everyone else is freaking out, you can be deeply at peace. Why? Because you are tied to the One who has overcome the world! Learn to trust in the One who can bring you peace in the midst of a world that is crumbling everyday. 

Spend some time in prayer. Tell Him how you feel fractured and broken. Ask the Lord to make you whole–to sanctify you through and through. Receive His peace over you life. If you are still restless inside, take a few deep breaths. As you inhale receive His peace, and as you exhale, let go of the stress and fear and anxiety within you.

“May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together–spirit, soul, and body–and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. (1Thessalonians 5:23 MSG)

“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
    People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
 They feast on the abundance of your house;
    you give them drink from your river of delights.
 For with you is the fountain of life;
    in your light we see light. (Psalm 36: 7 – 10).

Have you been overwhelmed by His extravagant love? Do you run for shelter when things are out of control under the shadow of His wings? Have you eaten your fill at His table? Have you taken a drink from His river of delights? Have you been noursihed by His fountain of life?

I confess this is sometimes more of a wish list than a reality. I’m still learning to love and to be loved by Him. I don’t always find refuge in Him, as I sometimes find it in tv shows and movies, or social media, sports, or a myriad of other things. As far as feasting on the abundance of His house I sometimes feel like a scared mouse who sneaks in and takes a few crumbs and then runs back out. I feel spiritually dehydrated at times looking for life in things other than Him. And sometimes I seem to prefer sulking in the darkness of my own mistakes rather than seeing in and through His light.

If you answered no to any or all of the questions above or just didn’t like your answer, know that it is alright. Life with Christ is a journey and it’s okay if you are just “nibbling” on God right now or even if you are “fasting” from God. As long as you know that there is more available to you, then just keep on walking. The problem lies when you start believing that all you’ve experienced with God up to this point or all you’ve seen or heard others experience is all there is.

His love is extravagant and steadfast and unfailing. There is more shelter than you can imagine in the shadow of His wings. You can be satisfied by the abundance of His house. There is more than enough to quench your thirst in His river of overflowing kindness. And there is so much more to see when you are illuminated by His light.

Here is a simple prayer for today:

“Lord forgive me for trying to find love in other people; overwhelm me by your extravagant love. I confess I have tried to find refuge in other things; lead me to the shelter in the shadow of your wings. Lord, I have looked to other sources to be satisfied; teach me to feast on the abundance of your house. Lord, I am thirsty; guide me down to your river of delights that I may drink and overflow with your life. I confess I have sought life in other people, places, and things; throw me into your fountain of life. Lord, I have been walking in darkness; Lord, shine your light that I may see.”

“Your love, O Eternal One, towers high into the heavens.
Even the skies are lower than Your faithfulness.
Your justice is like the majestic mountains.
Your judgments are as deep as the oceans, and yet in Your greatness,
You, O Eternal, offer life for every person and animal.” Psalms 36:5-6 VOICE

I spoke to a friend yesterday who keeps me up on the news and latest conspiracies, whether I want to hear them or not. I confess, as he was telling me what he thought we were up against, I fell into despair. It’s no secret that most, if not all, governments in the world are corrupt. Power and greed can become deadly, and many with power and money can feel empowered, with good intentions, to fix humanity. We’ve all seen the movies. Every villain believes what he is doing is right. Some of them evenutally come to their sense; some do not.

Now I am not trying to propagate any conspiracy, but only to make the point that what we are facing is nothing new. In the preceding verses to these above, in Psalm 36, David, who writes this psalm, is very aware of the evil that is out there. David never shys away from the fact that there is an enemy and sometimes it can seem like he is winning. Even Jesus tried to warn us of the enemy calling him “the thief who comes to steal and to kill and to destroy.”

Why is it important to know there is an enemy? So you can put into context the evil you see around you, see it for what it is, and not be overwhelmed by its seeming successes or turning all the blame on yourself. When the news of the day drives you to despair, it’s good to remember that there is a opposition, “prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour,” but then way more important is to know that the enemy has ultimately lost.

When times are rough and we feel there is no end in sight, remember “His steadfast love that extends to the heavens.” When we feel that we are losing our faith, remember the one whose “faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.” When we feel that we are not enough, remember the mighty mountains of His righteousness that cover you. When we feel helpless against the powers that be, remember Him whose “judgements are as deep as the oceans.” When we feels hopeless, we should be still and know the One, who is greather than our hearts, who holds all things together and gives “life for every person and animal.”

Spend some time in prayer confessing you unbelief. Close your eyes and be surrounded by his mighty mountains of righteousness that cover your unrighteousness and rest assured that He will achieve what He set out to do. Then ascend up into the heavens and stand in awe of His love and faithfulness that stretches far beyond the stars and galaxies. Then plunge into the depths of His justice, knowing that He has made all things right through the death, resurrection, and ascension of His Son!

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20

How would you describe your faith? Is it more talk or does it show the power of God?

How would others describe your faith? Do they sense the power of God in your life?

For many of us, we do a great job of inputting into our faith. We go to bible studies, listen to sermons, read Christian books, and read the Bible and yet our faith stays right there–within us.

I once heard a pastor say that if we get anymore information, our heads are going to explode. Now he was joking of course, but I understand his point. We don’t need any more Bible studies before we start living out our faith. You can read the entire Bible (even in 90 days) but if you don’t do what it says then you are missing the point. I love the book of James because he doesn’t pull punches. He say it like this…

“Put the word into action. If you think hearing is what matters most, you are going to find you have been deceived. If some fail to do what God requires, it’s as if they forget the word as soon as they hear it. One minute they look in the mirror, and the next they forget who they are and what they look like. However, it is possible to open your eyes and take in the beautiful, perfect truth found in God’s law of liberty and live by it. If you pursue that path and actually do what God has commanded, then you will avoid the many distractions that lead to an amnesia of all true things and you will be blessed.” James 1:22-25 Voice

For many of us, we have been inactive for so long and have been surrounded by others for the same time that we have become numb to sharing our faith. We have gotten really good at Bible study and doing church together and talking about our faith to each other. I get it; its comfortable. We would way rather do an indepth study of justification, then go share our faith with someone. We need to break out of our “holy huddles” and get out into a world that desperately needs the power of God.

Have you developed spiritual amnesia? Have you forgotten who you are? The power of God lives in you. Jesus Christ, the One who God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in, now lives inside you! I’ve always said that if God lives in you, who is supernatural, then you should be experiencing supernatural things in our lives. The problem is not that we don’t know enough, or that we don’t have what it takes. The problem is our inactivity. You experience the power of God when you live out your faith!

Spend some time asking the Lord how you might live out your faith.

“We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.” Romans 8:28 Voice

You may think you are not good enough for God or even that you are too evil and selfish. Guess what? You’re right. On your own you will defile yourself, constantly make poor decisions, and probably never really amount to much. But you’re not on your own, are you? No, when you let Christ into your heart an amazing thing happened. Through Him you became righteous in God’s sight. It ok that you are not good enough because He was good enough. You are not too evil for the cross and in response to your selfishness, He became selfless and gave His life to save you.

He also put his Spirit in you to guide you in the right path, the one that is best for you. And because of that, He is making you into something beautiful and good. Something of great worth.

And this is true regardless of whether you believe it. Once you let Him into your life He goes to work. But how great is it though when you do believe it. To know and believe and, therefore, rest in the fact that the God of the Universe, who loves you, is making you into something great – that’s something worth believing!