[:en]HOW TO HAVE PEACE AND JOY
- Accept God’s Will : Be Optimistic like Joseph and be Patient like David
- Primacy to God: Be Devoted like Jesus and be Faithful like Daniel
- Complete Trust in God: Be Trusting like Abraham and be Submissive like Paul
- Obey God’s Word: Be Obedient like Noah and be Dedicated like Mary
Be Optimistic like Joseph:
Joseph was hated by his brothers, sold to Egypt as slave, falsely accused by the wife of his master, sent to prison without any guilt and forgotten by the cupbearer. He did not understand what his future will be. But he remained optimistic and accepted whatever God’s plan was for him. Later, he was appointed as prime minister of Egypt and when famine came, he understood everything. When his brothers met him in fear, instead of vengeance, he comforted them by saying: “Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you” (Gen. 45:5). So, when you are experiencing trials, accept God’s will and be optimistic knowing that God has a better plan for you. His thoughts are better than your thoughts. His ways are better than your ways. (Isaiah 55:8-9) God will comfort you with His peace and joy.
Be Patient like David:.
King Saul wanted to kill David by pursuing him in the desert. When opportunity came for Abishai to kill Saul, he said: “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless? But the Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. (1 Sam. 26:9, 11) David was patient to wait for God’s time to deal with Saul. When David was proclaimed king of Israel, he was full of joy. Similarly, when you are being oppressed or persecuted, be patient like David. Wait for God’s time and you shall praise God with joy.
Be Devoted like Jesus:
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35) The first thing Jesus did early in the morning was to pray. You should also put God first in everything that you do. If you have a daily devotional time of God, you can experience peace and joy in Him.
Be Faithful like Daniel:
Darius, the king of Babylon issued an edict and enforced the decree that anyone who prayed to any god or man during the next 30 days except to the king shall be thrown into the lion’s dne. “Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God just as he had done before” (Daniel 6:10) Despite of the danger that Daniel was facing if he prayed to God, he remained faithful and continued to pray. The Lord protected him from being devoured by the lion. When there is a choice between obeying man’s command and the Lord’s command, always choose the later. And surely peace will be with you.
Be Trusting like Abraham:
“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.” (Gen. 12:1) “So Abram left, as the Lord had told him” (Gen. 12:4) Abram left his country without any question but with complete faith in God. You must follow Abraham’s example to trust Him in all your undertakings so that peace will always remain with you.
Be Submissive like Paul:
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21) “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (Phil. 3:8) Paul had submitted his life completely to the Lord. Whether he is alive or death, that is okay with him. If you submit yourself to the Lord and let Him take control of your life, peace and joy will follow.
Be Obedient like Noah:
When the Lord saw how great mean’s wickedness on the earth had become, His heart was filled with pain and decided to wipe mankind from the earth. He commanded Noah saying: “So make yourself an ark of cypress wood….” (Gen. 6:14) “Noah did everything just as God commanded him” (Gen. 6:22, 7:5) When God tells you to do something, listen and obey. By following His command, you shall have peace and joy.
Be Dedicated like Mary:
An angel spoke to Mary: “Do not be afraid Mary, you have found favor with God.l You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus” (Luke 1:30-31) Mary answered: “I am the Lord’s servant, may it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38) Mary was willing to dedicate herself to the Lord. How about you? Are you willing to serve the Lord in whatever capability you can? By doing so, you can enjoy His peace and joy.
Let us Seek God’s will, Put God First, Trust in Him and Obey His Word. Surely, God will give us the Peace that transcends all understanding and the Joy that is beyond measure. – by Josephine Q. Yu
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