In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
The last 18 months have been quite a rollercoaster for me with the pandemic, facing my fears of death and simply realizing that I am, at times, a poster child for our modern culture in my pursuits of self-glorifying success, money, power, control, and comfort. This was quite an alarming realization, but as the Father has called me, He has also sustained me in the Word like the Scripture above.
As you live today with some possible trials or troubles, read and reflect upon the verses above, and please allow me to share some related encouragement.
- Our first identity is in Christ as His creation so believe each day how much we are loved and cherished and learn how to be joyful amidst all circumstances as our Father’s assurance is about a better “life” and not about better circumstances.
- Our dark world is filled with evil and brokenness so in times of trouble don’t run first to your comforts and idols, but run first to our Living Savior Jesus who is our Light and seek His peace and comfort relationally in prayer, the Word, and fellowship.
- Preach to your heart daily on the gospel truth and reflect upon how you are spending your time and try to spend most of your free time in the Word, prayer, and fellowship.
I’ll close in sharing that as our Father has created us to be “relational” beings. Those relationships are not only with people but with things (food, material objects, money) and they both elicit positive emotions and experiences, which is why we often seek them. Hence, my final encouragement would be to think more about the gospel truth and immerse yourself in the Word and in fellowship with our Savior as you live each day in His Righteousness. Doing so will help usher in the real transformation that the Father has planned for you to enjoy Him forever!
John Park has been attending GRC since 2005 with his wife Chae and son Connor and serves in the leadership for Celebrate Recovery, Youth Group, and Life Groups.