Sometimes the vanity of life gets to me. You know, the day to day striving to keep ahead of the dust (we live on a dirt road), the dishes, the laundry, the constant negative from the media, the heat, a computer that acts up, the...you name whatever it is that "bugs" you and gets under your skin. This morning it was no different. There is a constant battle to rise above the negative. ("Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher, All is vanity." Ecclesiastes 12:8)
We're studying the book of Ecclesiastes in Sunday school, which helps remind me that there is nothing new under the sun, and even the richest king of the day struggled. But the question still arises, how do we fight against the negative?
In John 10:10 Jesus is quoted saying "The thief does not come except to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." When the enemy of my soul tried to rob me of my contentment and joy (the abundant life), I had to make a conscious choice to resist the temptation to focus on the negative. Grabbing my mop bucket and mop, I went to work mopping the floors. With each swipe of the mop with clean water, the "dust on the lens of my eye" seemed to be wiped away and I quickly began the process of thanking God for His abundant blessings.
And just as quickly as I did, my attitude changed from the negative to one of joy
First Thessalonians 5:16-18 says "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." And in Philippians 4;4-8 we are told "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understand will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things."
In James 1:2-4 we're told "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing."
Throughout Scripture there are directions on how to live abundantly and joyfully in this world. Jesus told us "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Hallelujah!
The beauty of counting our blessings is the way it takes our eyes off the distractions the enemy constantly throws in our pathway and helps us to focus on the beauty and the glory God has provided. The most glorious blessing He has given is Jesus. "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John 3:16-18
Abundant life and joy are a choice, one every person has the freedom to make.
May your choice be one that leads you to life ever lasting and unstoppable and unspeakable joy.
To God be the glory in all things.
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