Joy Increased (2): A Holy Smirk
Reconnecting to the book of Acts where we started in this series on joy, I note that the early believers sang while in prison (Acts 16:25) and rejoiced when they suffered (Acts 5:41). I've wondered why.
I'd guess that it's due in large part to what we read in Acts 4:24-28. The early believers had a strong confidence in the absolute sovereignty of God. They knew Who reigned, Who ruled and Who over-ruled in all the affairs of men. They had no reason to fear and every reason to rejoice, even in the hardest of times because they knew God was fully in control and working out all things for their good (Romans 8:28).
I heard a pastor say one time that God's-sovereignty-believing Christians are those who can walk around with a holy smirk on their faces--not in arrogance toward people, but in confidence toward circumstances. It's a smirk that says to all things that happen: "You cannot touch me, cannot harm me, cannot ruin me, cannot get to my soul. In fact you o trial, o suffering, o persecutor, o affliction are nothing more than a means of grace in the hands of God for the growth and gladness of my soul!"
Friends--hold firmly and deeply and unflinchingly to the reality that God is on the throne ruling over all, and over-ruling all, and you will be out of the reach of all harm and in the reach of all joy.
Take it from a man who's been through some very deep waters and tasted joy in it all.
I'd guess that it's due in large part to what we read in Acts 4:24-28. The early believers had a strong confidence in the absolute sovereignty of God. They knew Who reigned, Who ruled and Who over-ruled in all the affairs of men. They had no reason to fear and every reason to rejoice, even in the hardest of times because they knew God was fully in control and working out all things for their good (Romans 8:28).
I heard a pastor say one time that God's-sovereignty-believing Christians are those who can walk around with a holy smirk on their faces--not in arrogance toward people, but in confidence toward circumstances. It's a smirk that says to all things that happen: "You cannot touch me, cannot harm me, cannot ruin me, cannot get to my soul. In fact you o trial, o suffering, o persecutor, o affliction are nothing more than a means of grace in the hands of God for the growth and gladness of my soul!"
Friends--hold firmly and deeply and unflinchingly to the reality that God is on the throne ruling over all, and over-ruling all, and you will be out of the reach of all harm and in the reach of all joy.
Take it from a man who's been through some very deep waters and tasted joy in it all.
Labels: Affections, christian life, Joy, Religious Affections
posted by Tim Shorey at
7:30 AM
2 Comments:
Good post. People often ask me how my family and I are doing since I have been laid off. My initial reaction to all who asked has been "we are rejoicing because we see God's hand in it" It is true that we are early in this trial and no doubt my faith will be tested as God seeks to humble us, but I can have confidence that if I am thinking rightly I know that God is in control-that he has my family's best interest at heart-and that I can trust him with everything. This should never be a cause of arrogance; rather it should humble us and keep us reliant on him in all things.
Wonderful outlook Adam... "Faith in the Faithfulness of God."
And a great illustration of how to live in light of Tim's post this morning.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home