Life Is.

They file into the sanctuary on this beautiful Sunday morning in October. They are smiling and talking with one another. Hugging each other and shaking hands and making over the cute little kids and babies on their way to the children’s areas and the nursery. Ushers are greeting them and handing them the weekly bulletin as they greet those who are visiting and give them a brochure and a card. Once inside the service starts and the choir leads in songs of worship and praise. Praises fill the air and tears flow as the people of God worship their King. I have studied and prayed about what to teach and preach today. I want them to hear what God has to say to them not just me. I know the smiles hide hurts. I know the hugs hide worry. I know life is not as perfect for them as it appears. I share with them the message, the message I truly believe God would have me to share. I invite them to come and pray afterward and many do. Then the service is over and greetings abound once again as we all bid each other goodbye for now. Perhaps some will be back tonight or Wednesday but most will be back next Sunday or maybe one next month.

Monday morning rolls around and starts early for many. They are back in reality, the real world. It does not take long until this verse proves to be true for them: Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity (Luke 8:14 NKJV). The seed given to them in word that encouraged and inspired them yesterday is now forgotten because of work, school, and doctor appointments. His presence seems a million miles away just a day later. The troubles of life get in the way of the joy of living. Life for many becomes just an existence. God never intended it to be a grudge. Life is a gift from Him and therefore He wants us to enjoy it. Circumstances and conditions have a detrimental impact on our enjoyment to the point we forget He brought us to life that He may enjoy us. God is not ignorant of our circumstances and situations; He knows all. We may not be having fun or feeling great but He still takes joy in us. Instead of us focusing on our welfare and well being today let’s look above the situations and circumstances and fix our eyes on Jesus. You remember Him, right? The One who endured the Cross for the JOY that was set before Him. He endured everything even to the point of death that you and I may have His joy. The joy of knowing life is more than sickness, pain, disappointment, discouragement, fear, boredom, and existence. Life is eternal! Seasons come and go but life comes; and is. Look up today and rejoice because God has given you life!