“Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9b
A Call to Courage
Paul is being transported to Rome to appeal to Caesar. Though his life is in danger, his focus is on testifying about Jesus. All his energy is poured into making disciples, not on his own welfare; a trend of his life and a reason for his joy.
In Acts 27, he warns his centurion guard that sailing from Fair Havens would be at risk of damage and great loss. But he’s ignored. Before long, a fierce northeastern wind batters the ship and forces cargo and tackle to be tossed overboard.
Sun and stars are hidden for many days. Hope of being saved is abandoned.
But Paul, by way of a messenger from the Lord, has a Godly perspective. He calls them to “keep up your courage“[1] – euthymein (put in good spirits, gladden, make cheerful, to be joyful)
There’s reason to hope beyond the present troubles.
Our Storms
What storms are you facing in these uncertain days? in what area(s) has there been no sun or stars for many days?
- Death
- Health
- Money deficits
- Time deficits
- Broken relationships
- Broken stuff
- Employment problems
- Addictions
What has you dis-couraged?
Our Courage
What can put us in good spirits? What gladdens our hearts and causes us to be cheerful and joyful in spite of dark, lingering storms? Like Paul, don’t we have insight into something beyond what we see? We know how our story ends. Light beckons to to us out of the darkness, assuring us that our storm is not a surprise to God.
God is at work in us to conform us into the image of Jesus Christ. [2] He wants us free from the bondages of the world and filled with the joy of His nearness. When storms press in, we’re invited to pursue our Pearl of Great Price with ever more vigor, putting off cheep counterfeits which only deepen the pain.
“You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine abound.” Psalm 4:7
Prayer
Lord, we cry out to You in the midst.
Cheer our hearts with Your Nearness. Gladden our souls in the hope of Your loving, purposeful ways.
Infuse us with courage.
We surrender everything and everyone to You.
We surrender ourselves to You.
Though the skies may be dark, gladden our spirits.
Thank you Lord.
Amen.
[1] Acts 27:22
[2] Romans 8:29
Joy in the Journey is about the gladness of God’s nearness in the midst of life’s adventures.
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