Life is good. As a child of God, life is truly good. We know that some will disagree, because they see the daily struggles of those who succumb to poverty, sickness, and death, the primary battle involves depression, fear, discouragement, low self-esteem, worry, anxiety, confusion, doubt, and many other things and say “With all that we see in the world, how can anyone say life is good?” It all depends on the lens through which you see the world.
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Jesus tells us that we will have many trials, many tribulations, many afflictions, and many sorrows but we should cheer up and keep our courage up. While trials, tribulations, afflictions, and sorrows do not sound like there is much for anyone to be cheerful about, Jesus still tells us that when these things come, and they will come, we need “to be of good cheer.” Jesus says, “in him we can have peace,” if we “be of good cheer,” because he has overcome all of these things and won victory over all the world.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV).
For us who love God and have answered the call, according to God’s plan, we know that in all things that happen, God is working them together for our good. Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10) and we know that when Jesus died on the cross, he gave those who have answered the call, the privilege to become children of God. As children of God, we can share in the awesome blessing of Abraham and receive the promise of the Spirit through our faith. Because we are now children of God, we have a right to the inheritance of the new covenant, a better covenant built with better promises (Hebrews 8:6-13) and the right to a divine inheritance to the best in life, deserving all the Father has to offer (Romans 8:14-17), which includes the right to good health, wealth, and total life prosperity. Even though we all see many struggling with the trials, tribulations, afflictions, and sorrows of the world, that does not change the fact that God has made available to us, a better life, a good life.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8). “The thief cometh not, but (except) for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10).
We are warned to be sober and watchful because we have an adversary. This adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion looking for those whom he can devour. He is a thief and the thief’s purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. The devil comes to steal your peace of mind; your self-esteem; destroy your relationships with your spouse, children, parents, and others; and to basically take you out of this world.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3 ESV). “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 ESV). “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:7-9 ESV).
If we keep our mind stayed on God, trusting in him, in his word, and in his promises, he will keep us “in perfect peace,” which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand without help. If we think about what is true and good and right, if we think about things that are pure and lovely, and if we dwell on the fine, good things in others, we will experience “God’s peace.” When we think about all that we can praise God for and all that we can be glad about, then the “God of peace” will be with us. The “God of peace” will keep our thoughts quiet and at rest. And if our thoughts are quiet and at rest, then we can certainly “be of good cheer.” And if we “be of good cheer,” then we see the world the way God wants us to see the world. Life is good, when you see it the way God sees it.
May today’s inspirational message abundantly bless you and greatly inform you. We pray that you will be the better for having read them both. If blessed by today’s message, please share so that others may be blessed as well. Amen.
Enjoy your blessings - KW
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