|
March Devotional
I THINK MYSELF HAPPY!
It was just one of those days for Paul
- he was serving God ... doing the right thing ...
when once again he was being questioned and tormented
for his faith! Paul was being brought before King
Agrippa to make a defense concerning the charges brought
against him. Paul was confident that he had done nothing
to deserve death - although many in the Roman Government
would have loved to see Paul dead! Paul was no longer
afraid of prison because he was well-acquainted with
most every prison in the Roman Empire. What Paul did
not want to face was the very real possibility that
he might no longer be able to spread the Gospel of
Jesus Christ.
As Paul was ushered into the presence of the great
King Agrippa, he did not give in to fear nor did he
capitulate to self-pity. Instead Paul uttered these
words that echo in the caverns of my heart today,
"I think myself happy!" (Acts 26:2)
When was the last time that you thought yourself
happy when you found yourself in a situation
that was not fair and certainly not pleasant? Do you
immediately start whining and complaining ... giving
in to fear and worry rather than to faith? Paul knew
that his life and ministry might end that very day
but he decided to "think himself happy!"
What a challenge for us in the 21st century as well!
We are called to "think ourselves happy"
no matter what situation is staring us in the face.
Maybe you have had a fender-bender ... or a bounced
check ... or have added 10 unwanted pounds this month.
You are to think yourself happy! Maybe you know the
terror of a bad doctorís report ... or the pain of
sleepless nights due to rebellious children ... or
the torture of a difficult marriage. You, too, are
to think yourself happy!
This is only possible when you know what the word
"happy" means in the Greek. This word, happy,
is translated, "connected to the names of God!"
Now that should make you just about shout!
Any time that you find yourself in a difficult situation,
remember that you are connected to the names of God!
If you are sick - you know the Great Physician. If
you need financial provision - El Shaddai, the God
Who provides, is in charge of your checkbook! If you
are confused - you need to make an appointment with
the Mighty Counselor and the Prince of Peace! If you
are depressed ... it might just be time to hang out
with the God in whose presence is fullness of joy! |
Our Vision
