Right Spirit

What happens when we do something that we really don’t want to do? Many times the end result does not match expectations. Perhaps, the quality is not what we wanted to produce or we are just not satisfied with the experience nor the end result.

In John 4:23-24 Jesus is quoted as saying, “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” Worship is not confined to a building, but rather, it takes place in the heart and soul of the worshiper. Worship is motivated by the truth of who God is and what He does. When we sincerely love God, we will desire to be in His presence through worship.

Goes With Us

We go through some experiences that feel better when someone close goes with us. It may be a doctor’s appointment that we feel some anxiety about. It may be some thrilling adventure that we want to share with a loved one. We may want someone to go with us when we are trying to resolve some conflict. How great would it be to have “goodness” go with us, so that we know that whatever occurs, something about the experience will be good.

In Exodus 33:19, God tells Moses, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name, ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to who I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.” When we receive mercy and grace, it is because God has chosen to give us mercy and grace. He continually reveals His character to us and makes His goodness go with us.

Good Work

A problem with unfinished work is that you don’t get to experience the full joy of the completed task. For instance, suppose you bought a bicycle for your child for Christmas. However, the bicycle comes unassembled. On Christmas Eve, you begin to put the bicycle together but can’t finish the task before falling asleep. When your child comes into the room and sees the bike, they are filled with joy and thanksgiving. But when they realize that they can’t ride the bicycle yet, the joy is diminished.

Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” God accepts us just as we are. But He loves us so much that He wants us to become more like Him. We should not be satisfied with who we are right now, but we should earnestly desire God’s work in us to form us into His likeness.

A Battle That Cannot Be Won

We may often be told to choose our battles wisely. Generally, this means that we should choose to fight when it is really important, but other issues may not be worth the fight and fighting would distract us from our real purpose. Since the beginning of the world, darkness has come against light. Darkness loses, because when light is revealed darkness must flee. Jesus brought His light into the world and it continues to spread in the form of truth, righteousness, and abundant living.

John 1:4-5, speaking about Jesus, says, “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” God is the creator and sustainer of life. He gives eternal life to His children. He is also the light, giving us truth and showing us the way to have true abundant life. Darkness tries to overcome God’s light but can never do so.

That I May Behold

Sometimes, when I am hiking a nature trail, I pass from a darkened area into a lighted area. In the area of light, I am suddenly able to see things that I couldn’t in the dark. Colors become vibrant and I notice details of the scenery that I hadn’t previously seen and I am amazed at the beauty now shown to me. Truth can operate in the same way. At times, we may not be able to see and understand the truth, unless our sight is brightened along the path of life.

Psalm 119:18 says, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things our of your law.” Even when reading God’s Word, we need Him to open our hearts in order for us to understand truth. Our minds remain blinded in the darkness until God’s light unveils the truth.