Category Archives: seeking understanding

“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.” (Habakkuk‬ ‭3:17-19‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Set your mind on him! Not on circumstances. When we are struggling, we can set our minds on him. He will be with us. Think of the stable. Think of the baby lying in a feeding trough. Think of the angels rejoicing. This is the already.

He will come back. He will bring justice. Our ability to experience joy will be undescribable, unimaginable, greater than what we can think of. Because he is faithful. Knowing this, we may have joy.

Rejoice in this Advent season.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-2‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

This is the fourth Sunday of Advent. It begins a week of considering Joy. Joy is not just a feeling of happiness. It is something much deeper because it doesn’t rely on circumstances. Joy is not fleeting.

In his helpful work on C. S. Lewis, Alistair McGrath noted:

“The quest for that Joy would become a central theme of Lewis’s life and writing.”*

Joy was promised:

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (Luke‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

May the seeking of that promised joy become the central theme of our lives as well. Jesus tells us how.

“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John‬ ‭15:10-11‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

*C. S. Lewis — A Life: Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet by Alister McGrath

God has shown his great love throughout all generations, even before the generations began, the love of God is eternal!

Rejoice in his love!

“Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.” Psalm‬ ‭36:5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

How do we love God? Is it by doing things for him? Or is it by loving those he loves? Who does he love? He loves your neighbor, your enemy, those you know who love him (this is the one another Bit).

So Advent is a time to love. Serving. Putting aside things that divide. Praying for those who persecute you in different ways. These are what Jesus has taught us to do. So let us love.

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1Corinthians‬ ‭13:7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Because God does, and he does within us.