Choices reveal character ∙

Choices reveal character ∙

After all the land was divided among the tribes, the Israelites gave a piece of land to Joshua as his allocation. For the LORD had said he could have any town he wanted. He chose Timnath-Serah in the hill country of Ephraim. He rebuilt the town and lived there. – Joshua 19:49-50

Genesis 13:5-12

5 Lot, who was traveling with Abram, had also become very wealthy with flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and many tents.
6 But the land could not support both Abram and Lot with all their flocks and herds living so close together.
7 So disputes broke out between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot. . ..

8 Finally, Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives!
9 The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.”

10 Lot looked at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the LORD or the beautiful land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)
11 Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram.
12 So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain.

Reflecting on all Joshua accomplished in service to the Father and the nation of Israel, one might expect two outcomes regarding Joshua’s land allotment. First, he would claim the finest for himself. After all, he deserved it. Right? Second, out of gratitude, the Israelites would offer him the best of what was available. Yet, reality unfolded differently. Joshua chose a rugged, unyielding, barren land. His choice revealed his heart, a heart of humility and service. Conversely, it also showed the hearts of the children of Israel. They were content to let God’s servant settle for the leftovers. This scenario, unchanged over 3500 years, speaks volumes about human nature.

Little has changed.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Your ideal is what you wish you were. Your reputation is what people say you are. Your character is what you are” (anonymous).

Father, I desire to fall in love with Your Word and consume it as food for my spirit. Give me Jeremiah’s passion and David’s love and delight for Your Word.

INSIGHT

We are inherently flawed people living in a fallen world, with fallen DNA permeating our thoughts, emotions, and actions. If our choices reflect our essential fallen nature, there should be no surprise. They show who and what we really are, and our self-absorbed motivations are clearly exposed.

This reality is evident in daily life. Consider a family sharing a small home with a single bathroom; who gets access first? Or when a meal of chicken is served, who has the first choice of the preferred pieces? During Thanksgiving, who gets the turkey legs?

The true nature of our character is often revealed under stress and uncertainty. Robert McKee encapsulates this idea well when he states, “True character is revealed in the choices a human being makes under pressure – the greater the pressure, the deeper the revelation, the truer the choice to the character’s essential nature.” In high-stress situations, our authentic selves emerge, painting a vivid picture of our values and priorities.

Risk is a crucial factor that reveals character through decisive actions. When faced with uncertainty, individuals respond in various ways: some boldly go all in, fully committing to their choices, while others retreat to their comfort zones, prioritizing safety and caution. These reactions tell a story about our core values.

Cultivating a godly character is essential to becoming better individuals and making selfless choices that align with the Father. Richard G. Scott articulates this beautifully when he suggests, “Above the television were used to be.”

Our journey toward righteousness begins with a commitment to understand and embrace the eternal truths of the word of God. As we nurture our higher selves and aspire to a righteous character, our choices begin to align more closely with selflessness and godly principles.

Psalms 119:9 How can a young person his way pure? By living according to your word.

The Hebrew term orach, often translated as “way,” typically denotes a path. In the Old Testament, orach is frequently used metaphorically to represent a way of life, implying a way of living, behavior, or life course.

The word “pure” in Hebrew is zakah. Zakah appears exclusively in poetic contexts and always in a moral sense. It signifies being clear, clean, or making oneself clean, denoting faultlessness and freedom from sin.

Psalms 119 suggests that we can keep our lives and behavior clean and pure. Is this even possible? Solomon has his doubts.

Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin”?

The answer underscores our inherent imperfection because of our fallen DNA. Absolute purity may elude us, but we can set perfection as a goal and strive for it. It is like aiming for the bull’s eye, knowing we will not always hit every time.

David shows the way.

Psalms 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

To truly make choices in line with the Word of God, one must first know its teachings. Yet, mere knowledge is insufficient; it must be internalized and cherished.

But there’s more. Memorizing the word of God by rote is one thing, but understanding the scriptures goes beyond memorization. Reciting God’s Word by rote is a great foundation, but to fall in love with it and find immense joy within it is something entirely different. David had fallen in love with the Father and His Word. He registered his delight and his love and passion for the Father and His teachings.

In Psalms 119:47, David exclaims, “How I delight in your commands! How I love them!” This devotion drove him to immerse himself in the scriptures, not only reading and meditating on them but committing them to memory. Imagine holding the Word of God so dear that it becomes an integral part of your heart and mind.

Psalms 119:15-16 illustrates this dedication:

15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

Jeremiah also exhibited a profound zeal for God’s Word, a fervor that seems almost beyond belief.

Jeremiah 20:9 reveals, “But if I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!”

For every child of the King, it is imperative to commit to memorizing and living by the scriptures. This commitment is the cornerstone of making wiser, more godly life choices.

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© Dr. H 2024

Epic failure ∙∙

Epic failure ∙∙

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. – 1 Corinthians 10:12

Luke 22:32

31 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat.
32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.

Luke 22:60-62

60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.

61 The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.”
62 And he went out and wept bitterly.

For over three decades, Intel Corporation reigned supreme as the unparalleled titan of computer microprocessor and chipset innovation. Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara, California, Intel epitomized the “Made in the USA” standard, showcasing America’s formidable prowess in the semiconductor realm.

Intel’s competitive edge was forged through a masterful combination of cutting-edge design and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities proudly situated on American soil. While other chipmakers opted to move their operations overseas in pursuit of cheaper labor, Intel stood resolute, a beacon of American industriousness and ingenuity.

Yet, the landscape shifted dramatically, and Intel found itself grappling with monumental challenges that threatened its once-unshakable position. The very traits that once fueled its dominance, unwavering commitment to domestic manufacturing and a steadfast reliance on proven strategies, have contributed to its recent challenges.

In a striking blow to its legacy, July 2020 marked a crisis point for Intel. The company announced a significant delay of over a year in the launch of its cutting-edge 7-nanometer CPUs, a setback that sent shockwaves through the industry. In a world where technological advancement waits for no one, Intel’s supremacy has been challenged by both domestic rivals and ambitious international firms that have risen to the occasion.

As Intel stood at this critical juncture, a question looms large: could it surmount these formidable obstacles and reclaim its throne as the vanguard of innovation? The answer remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Intel’s journey from the pinnacle of success to its current crossroads is a testament to the relentless pace of technological advancement and the ever-present demand for adaptation in the face of change.

Any child of the King can and does experience failure. Failure in this life, at one point or another, is regrettably the norm. We all stumble and fall. The real question is: “What do we do when we encounter significant failure?”

In martial arts beginners learn to follow the adage, “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.” We are to consciously decide to rise after each fall and persist in our efforts.

Peter was the undisputed leader of the twelve apostles, yet he experienced egregious failure when he denied the Lord Jesus Christ. The Scriptures reveal an important truth: his failure was both inevitable and predicted, but so was his recovery. Peter had someone very significant and powerful praying for him. The Lord Jesus Christ had his back.

Luke 22:32 states, “I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

This same assurance applies to every child of the King.

Romans 8:34 tells us, “Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.”

REFLECT & PRAY

Psalms 37:8 Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper – it only leads to harm.

Father, how many times have I stumbled and felt the weight of discouragement pressing down on me? Yet, time after time, You were there, lifting me from the depths and setting my feet on solid ground once more. Your unwavering presence has strengthened my confidence in the plans and dreams You hold for my life. Thank You!

INSIGHT

This narrative shifts the spotlight from epic failure to epic recovery. “Peter will falter for a short period, after which he will turn back and strengthen the disciples. By telling this story, Luke prepares the reader for the leadership of Peter in the early chapters of Acts” (Black). Servant leadership emerges from the ashes of recovery.

Peter’s path to leadership is laid out for all of us to see. Epic leadership grows out of our epic responses to failure and loss.

Peter possessed inherent leadership qualities, but such strengths can become hurdles for those called by God. When Jesus foretold Peter’s failure, Peter’s disbelief wasn’t rooted in pride. It was simple naivety. He couldn’t imagine letting down the Lord and disappointing him in such a way. Take a moment and visualize Peter, resolute in his heart, declaring, “I will prove my loyalty. I will not fail, my Lord! Count on me, no matter the cost!”

Peter forcefully asserted, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you” (Luke 22:33).

Peter recognized Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, with unwavering certainty. The thought of betrayal was inconceivable to him.

Matthew 16:15-16 captures this conviction:

15 Jesus asked, “But who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Peter’s unwavering resolved was unmatched. When Jesus was arrested, Peter unsheathed his sword, ready to fight to the death. His actions were impulsive and brave, yet he misunderstood the divine plan. The Lord Jesus Christ had come into the world to be arrested, tried, condemned, and crucified (Matthew 26:51-56). Peter initially sought to thwart prevent such an antithetical outcome for the Messiah, the King of Israel.

Matthew 16:21-23

21 From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that he needed to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day, he would be raised from the dead.
22 But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!”
23 Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

Peter rose to the occasion in his brash, bold, brave way, and blood was spilled. He cut off the ear of Malchus, the high priest’s servant. Rather than receiving praise, he received correction from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 22:51 But Jesus said, “No more of this.” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

As the Lord Jesus Christ was arrested and led away, imagine the turmoil that must have overwhelmed Peter. He was ensnared in emotional turmoil. Conflicted, he was struggling with clashing emotions of embarrassment, disillusionment, and deep despair; Peter found himself on a downward path to epic failure.

But why did Peter falter so profoundly? Fear wasn’t the issue. After all, he had been ready to lay down his life for Christ in the garden. No, it was confusion and a heavy heart that clouded his judgment. Peter had just witnessed the unimaginable: the arrest of the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, leading to certain judgment and death.

This once-confident and natural leader faced his darkest moment, yet this failure was not the end. It was the crucible in which his future leadership and strength were forged. Such is the journey for every child of the King, where epic failures pave the way for epic transformative recovery and growth.

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© Dr. H 2024

Auditors not wanted ∙∙

Auditors not wanted ∙∙

Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. – James 1:22

James 1:23-25

23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror.
24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.
25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard . . ..

“The Great Pretender” is a popular song recorded by The Platters in 1955. It was repopularized in 1987 by Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen. Mercury explained that the song was particularly fitting for how he saw his career and being on stage. In 2004, Rolling Stone voted it the 360th greatest song of all time.

Oh yes, I’m the great pretender, pretending that I’m doing well
My need is such I pretend too much.
I’m lonely but no one can tell. Oh yes, I’m the great pretender.
Adrift in a world of my own, I play the game but to my real shame.
You’ve left me to dream all alone, too real is this feeling of make believe.
Too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal.
Ooh, Ooh yes, I’m the great pretender.
I seem to be what I’m not (you see).
I’m wearing my heart like a crown, pretending that you’re still around.

It is all too easy to fall into the role of a pretender, a pitfall that many of the children of the King unwittingly stumble into. We often convince ourselves that merely showing up, participating in rituals, and displaying outward signs of faith is what the Father desires. We are only fooling ourselves. Yet, as James wisely admonishes, this is merely a facade, a religious illusion steeped in self-deception. The most unsettling aspect is our blindness to this pretense; many of us continue on this path, unaware that we are living out a charade rather than embodying true faith.

They are only pretenders.

REFLECT & PRAY

“We do serious damage to our spiritual life when we expose ourselves to the Bible but do nothing with what we read” (Richison).

Father, encourage me to live out the message of the truth of Your Word and embody it in my daily life.

INSIGHT

We are encouraged not to be just listeners of the Word but doers.

James 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

Hearing the Scriptures without action is akin to auditing a college course, passively absorbing information without engagement. Auditors listen but do not take notes. They do not study, and they take no appropriate action, leading to little retention. They are involved but are not committed. The course of “life” that is grounded in the Word of God cannot simply be observed from afar. It cannot be audited. It demands more than just awareness or understanding; it calls for action. The transformative power of God is unlocked and realized through active obedience and application of His truths.

The Greek term for “doers of the Word” is poietai logou, which implies more than just passive listening. In classical Greek, it referred to creative people like writers and poets, but in James, it signifies obeying the law. The Old Testament speaks to this in Deuteronomy, emphasizing the importance of actively doing the law.

Deuteronomy 28:58 [Be] careful to do all the words of this law.

James challenges us to practice what we believe, to live by the Word, not just hear it. James urges the people to put the word into practice, obey the message (Gspd), live by the word (Knox), or act on the message (REB). This practice is not just about understanding but improving through action. A “doer of the word” practices what they believe. It couldn’t be simpler. Children of the King are not to be auditors and only take information in. Instead, we are to live out what we take in. As we “do the Word,” we grow more adept, continually refining our ability to live it out.

But there is more. While “doing the word,” we get better at it; we keep improving.

The command to live by God’s Word should not intimidate us; instead, it should encourage us. James acknowledges that we might not grasp everything at the beginning. In fact, being fallen creatures in a fallen world, we will never get it entirely right. The key is to start implementing the Word and persist in doing so, embracing the gradual, transformative journey it offers.

Temporary setbacks are an inevitable part of achieving long-term success. The key is our perseverance and growth, learning from each experience and harnessing the transformative power of faithful obedience.

Determining to do the Word of God is not for the faint of heart. Achieving this is far from simple; it mirrors the challenge of driving innovation in engineering. A fitting analogy is the work of Walt Disney Imagineers, a fusion of imagination and engineering. The term “Imagineer” is a combination of the words “imagination” and “engineer.” For decades, Imagineering enabled Walt Disney to transform his imagination’s dreams, fantasies and wishes into concrete reality.

Imagineering synthesizes the approaches of three different types of individuals: the dreamer, the realist, and the critic. Disney employs very talented people from various fields and walks of life to dream. They conceive new ideas and invent new technologies to accomplish them. This eclectic group of Imagineers starts with an idea. They begin the process of trying to implement the concept. They are expected to fail. It is assumed that they aren’t trying hard enough to succeed if they do not fail 30% of the time.

Are you merely pretending, fooling yourself? You can choose right now to embody the teachings of God’s Word. Don’t be discouraged by obstacles. They are to be expected as part of the journey.

Psalms 37:24 Though they stumble, they will never be hurled headlong, for the LORD holds them by the hand.

Just as parents understand that toddlers begin to learn to walk around 12 months, they create a safe environment where the toddler can learn the new skill of walking. Any sharp objects or tripping hazards are removed. Parents set the stage and provide support and encouragement along the way. The process is both thrilling and nerve-wracking.

Remember, “Failure is not falling down but refusing to get up” (Chinese proverb).

The Father wants us to thrive in our faith journey, walk of faith. He ensures that every child of the King is supported. The Father does not guarantee that the children of the King will not stumble or fall. Instead, He promises that when it happens, He has their back. He can prevent our stumbles (Jude 24), and when we falter, He stands ready to lift us, offering solace and strength. His loving embrace is our comfort, guiding us through life’s challenges with the promise of restoration. We are never alone, even in our weakest moments.

Why does the Father do this? What motivates Him? It all comes down to His profound love for every child of the King. “The Father delights in His children and wants them to learn to walk” (Wiersbe).

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Spiritual snakebite ∙∙

Spiritual snakebite ∙∙

Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up. – John 3:14

John 3:14-18

14 And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,
15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.

16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world but to save the world through him.
18 There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.

Have you ever been hiking in the woods and had a close encounter with a venomous snake? How did you react? Most people would feel gripped by fear and quickly seek medical attention.

Thankfully, modern medicine offers solutions for poisonous snake bites. Antivenoms can effectively prevent or reverse the effects of most snakebites, significantly reducing the risk of death or severe injury. If antivenom were available, would you use it?

About 3,500 years ago, the Father provided a cure for physical snakebite that saved countless lives.

While wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites frequently complained and griped.

In Numbers 21, they whined and grumbled about their boring, humdrum lives wandering around in the wilderness, being forced to eat the same food day after day, manna from heaven. Their longing to return to slavery in Egypt overshadowed their willingness to follow Moses and God.

The Father devised a straightforward plan to address their woes: death. He sent venomous snakes into their camp, making their lives anything but boring. As people were bitten, many died, and fear gripped the survivors. They thought it was dreadful before; this was far worse than they could’ve ever imagined.
They came to grips with their attitude of disrespecting the Lord God Almighty and His clearly specified plan for their lives. But more importantly, they realized their complaining and griping were sins.
The people repented and approached Moses for help. In response, Moses prayed to God, who provided a clear solution.
The Father told Moses exactly what to do.

The Father instructed Moses to create a replica of a venomous snake and mount it on a pole. This snake on a pole was to serve as a means of healing for anyone bitten. He told the people who were bitten to look at it if they wanted to live.

Numbers 21:7-9 details this event:

7 The people came to Moses and confessed, “We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and you. Pray that the LORD will remove the snakes.” So Moses prayed for them.
8 The LORD then instructed him, “Make a replica of a poisonous snake and put it on a pole. Anyone who is bitten will live if they look at it.”
9 So Moses crafted a bronze snake and placed it on a pole. Whoever was bitten could gaze at the bronze snake and be healed.

The Father graciously provided a cure for poisonous snakebites. No antivenom was required. Only a bronze replica of one of the reptiles hanging on the pole was needed. All anyone had to do to recover and live was to glance toward the serpent lifted up in the center of the camp. The Father graciously provided a remedy, but his remedy was unique and one-of-a-kind. There was only one way to be healed and survive.

Many folks tend to want to do things their own way. But risking death from poisonous snakes would be reckless and foolhardy.

Pause for a moment and consider. What would have happened if they refused to listen and do exactly what the Father had told them? They would have died!

At that moment, it defied reason, and It made no logical sense to glance at a bronze serpent to recover. However, it wasn’t a matter of reason but rather faith.

This lesson of trust in God’s provision wouldn’t be fully understood until over 1,400 years later.

What healed them? Trust in the Father’s only provision for their sin of rebellion and defiance.

REFLECT & PRAY

Throughout our journey in life, we encounter countless moments when we must place our trust in others. We depend on doctors to mend our wounds and restore us when we face serious injuries, relying on their expertise with unwavering hope.

Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that You hold the answers and solutions for every circumstance life may bring. Inspire me to seek Your divine wisdom and guidance constantly. I have come to realize the peril of my spiritual snakebite, with its poison coursing through my heart and threatening eternal death. Yet, I am profoundly grateful for the salvation You have provided through the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the sole remedy, the true path to healing from this spiritual affliction. Thank You for this gift of grace and redemption.

INSIGHT

The human race faces a profound challenge, a severe “serpent problem.” We are afflicted by spiritual snakebite that traces back to the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve’s encounter with the serpent led them and all their descendants into sin. It started with their close encounter with the serpent, the evil one. They believed the serpent’s lies and fell into sin. The toxic effect of sin was introduced to the human race. The Father provided only one way to solve their dilemma.

Two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ revealed the cure for the snakebite of sin and death. We often remember John 3:16, but let’s consider John 3:14.

John 3:14-16

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Within the Israelite camp, addressing the “serpent problem” didn’t involve exterminating the serpents, crafting remedies, or denying their presence. No anti-serpent laws were passed. Instead, the solution lay in a simple act of faith – gazing upon the uplifted serpent (Wiersbe).

In a manner reminiscent of the serpent being lifted in the wilderness, Jesus Christ, our Savior, was raised upon a cross. When we turn to Him in faith, our spiritual snakebite is healed, our sins are forgiven, and we receive the gift of eternal life.

The Father’s remedy was simple, clear, and straightforward: by faith, the Israelites only needed to gaze upon the bronze serpent to be healed and to live. There was only one way!

Similarly, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, taking our place on a cross of wood, is the Father’s sole solution for spiritual affliction. Rejecting Him by failing to have faith carries eternal consequences.

John 3:17-18

17 God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it but to save it through Him.
18 No one who believes in Him is condemned, but those who do not believe stand condemned already for not believing in God’s one and only Son.

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© Dr. H 2024

The beginning of sorrows ∙∙

The beginning of sorrows ∙∙

“For troubles surround me – too many to count!” – Psalms 40:12

Romans 8:18-23

18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.
19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.
20 . . . But with eager hope,
21 The creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.
22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.
23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us.

On her wedding day, a young woman confided in her mother, expressing hope for her future. “Oh, Mother, my life has been so uncertain and often felt superficial. I’ve felt lost many times. But today, I feel I’ve reached the end of all my troubles.” With a knowing smile, her mother quipped, “Oh dear, you just don’t realize which end it is.”

Life is a series of transitions, each fraught with its own challenges: stepping into adulthood, embarking on a new career, tying the knot, welcoming a child, grieving a loss, or facing the end of a relationship. Often, we convince ourselves that these transitions mark the end of our struggles, only to discover they are just the beginning.

The saying “the grass is always greener on the other side” captures a common human tendency to believe that others are in a better situation than we are. It reflects a natural inclination to idealize what we don’t have, often leading to feelings of dissatisfaction and longing for change. This mindset can be both a motivator and a source of discontent.

Constantly believing that others have it better can lead to chronic dissatisfaction and a failure to appreciate the present. This mindset can create a cycle where one is never truly content, always seeking something else rather than valuing what they already have.

As the Seventieth Week of Daniel draws near, a monumental transition is prophesied for the world and its people. It is a period marked by the “beginning of sorrows” or birth pangs. As Matthew 24:8 states, “All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

The Greek word translated as “sorrows” (KJV), “travail,” or “birth pangs” is odin. Odin refers to intolerable anguish from calamities preceding the return of the Messiah. The Old Testament prophets used this metaphor to depict terrible suffering in general (Isaiah 13:8, Hosea 13:13). Like labor pains, these sorrows will grow in both intensity and frequency, culminating in a moment of profound transformation.

When the result is the birth of a child, it is well worth it. But what if the sorrows continue to cycle indefinitely?

REFLECT & PRAY

“Archaeologists have unearthed small ‘tear bottles’ in which mourners collected their tears and then deposited the bottle at the gravesite. The point is simply that God is aware of what we feel and how we suffer, and His records are accurate” (Wiersbe).

Father, thank You for being my constant companion through every life change. Your care and concern for me are overwhelming; You notice every tear and keep a record of them. Your love is astonishing. It takes my breath away. You are truly my Best Friend Forever.

INSIGHT

Hard times are no surprise to the Father. Life’s challenges and sorrows are known. The Lord Jesus Christ explained that difficulties are a part of life on Earth, but through Him, we can find peace.

John 16:33 reminds us: “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Jesus didn’t shy away from telling His disciples about life’s hardships. Instead, He reassured them that they might have peace through Him. The Father is always aware of what each of His children will face. He tracks every sorrow, but more importantly, He is with us through every trial, never leaving anyone behind.

Hebrews 13:5 assures us: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Psalms 56:8 You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.

The Father tracks all of our experiences and is familiar with the anguish and sorrow we experience. But grief often turns to joy. The travail of childbirth is frequently forgotten and replaced by joy when the child comes into the world.

John 16:21 illustrates this: “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born, she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.”

Many of our decisions regrettably cause us great anguish and pain. However, they are part of a journey where sorrow can be transformed into joy through His incredible grace. The Father has a remarkable way of doing this. Just as a mother forgets her pain when her child arrives, our sorrows can turn into deep joy. The joy that only the Lord Jesus Christ provides.

How does this happen? The Lord Jesus Christ shows the way.

This transformation happens when we look beyond our present circumstances and focus on the future. Dwelling on our difficulties in the present, the consequent distress and sorrow throw us into a downward cycle of remorse and sadness. Throughout history, believers have suffered for His name. But amid sorrow, the record reveals that they experienced sweet, pleasant times in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was with them, and He will be with us.

Jeremiah 31:12 paints a beautiful picture of this transformation: “They will come home and sing songs of joy on the heights of Jerusalem. They will be radiant because of the LORD’s good gifts . . .. Their life will be like a watered garden, and all their sorrows will be gone.”

Matthew 11:28-30 invites us:

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
29 “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
30 “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Through the Lord Lord Jesus Christ, we will find rest and a lighter burden, transforming sorrow into everlasting joy.

People are often overwhelmed by life’s demands and spiritual struggles. Jesus uses the metaphor of a “yoke” to symbolize the heavy burdens people face. He contrasts this with His own yoke, which is easy and a light burden. His teachings are designed not to weigh people down but to provide guidance and relief.

His invitation to come reflects His gentle and humble nature, assuring us that we don’t have to carry our burdens alone. Instead, He offers a way of life rooted in love, compassion, and humility.

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© Dr. H 2024