Gone Viral

When a social media post gets noticed by large numbers of people, it is said that the post has gone viral. Many times, the author of the post did not expect such a large reaction. We are often unaware of the impact that our actions have upon others. Other times, we may expect that our actions will have some impact but don’t realize the full nature of that impact until much later.

Deuteronomy 7:13 promises His children; “He will love you, bless you, and multiply you. He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground.” As we walk faithfully with our God, He will bless us along with our families by His steadfast love for us. He will multiply the fruit of our faithfulness in all that He calls us to do.

Successes of Others

Some people view life as a beauty pageant. We are all lined up next to each other on a great stage. In front of us is a sea of judges, evaluating everything about us. They judge our looks, what we say, and our talent. At every stage of life, this evaluation goes on, until we die and the final evaluation is turned in to God. In this view of life, there can only be one winner, and we are competing with each other every day.

I Samuel 18:7-8 says, “And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.’ And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him.” When our identity is dependent upon our successes and our position, the success of others threatens us. But when our identity is in Christ, we can celebrate the successes of other people because these successes build God’s kingdom.

Deeper Joy

Most of us experience joy from time to time. There is the joy of achievements like graduation, job promotion, and financial rewards. We also experience joy in relationships like marriage, childbirth, Christmas, and family celebrations. I know the joy of watching my children and now my grandchildren participate in sports, music, and drama. But these joys do not compare with the deeper joy given to us from God.

Psalm 86:4-5 says, “Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.” Joy that endures and reaches deep down into our hearts, is joy that gladdens our soul. God, in His abounding steadfast love, goodness, and forgiveness offers this soul gladdening joy to all who seek Him with all their whole hearts, minds, and souls.

Limited Availability

A new product is released with great fanfare and we want it. We rush to the store to get it and find out that the product was released with limited availability and is not available to us.

Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Some good things in life come with a limited availability. God promises pleasures forevermore for His children. Our responsibility is to walk on the path of life and seek His presence continually.

Special Attention

When we were married, several people gave us place settings of China dinnerware. We didn’t have much at the time, but we did have this expensive set of dinnerware. We rarely used it, but the set was always given special care and attention when we did use it.

Psalm 4:3 says, “But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.” While God’s love is broad and His goodness is offered to all people, He makes a distinction with those who walk in godliness. He gives these people special attention and affection. Included in this affection is the truth that God hears the prayers of the godly.