Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot and blameless.
2 Peter 3:14

Psychologists tell us that anticipation, which is the opposite of surprise, is an emotion with marvelous healing powers. People who are snowbound sustain their spirits by anticipating the longer days of spring and summer. Couples who are separated by military deployment stay sane by anticipating their reunion. Students anticipate the end of the semester. Workers look forward to their vacations. Brides and grooms are eager for their wedding day.

Can you imagine a world without anticipation? How would we feel with nothing to look forward to? Welcome to non-Christianity. Without Christ, there’s no ultimate anticipation. There may be momentary prospects and incremental excitement, but lasting expectancy is missing. The future has no promise; it holds no hope. Everything is perishing or will perish. Death is the termination of our lives, our families, our fortunes, our civilization, and even of the universe itself.

Thank God we have a message of hope! Our joy is complete as we look to the future return of our Lord and to the mansions He is preparing for us. Let’s live in anticipation today!

On every page of the Bible there are words of God that give reason to hope…. In the promises of God I find inspiration and new hope.
Charles A. Allen  (From Turning Point)

“But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

1 Peter 4:13

The famous preacher D.L. Moody told the story about a Christian woman who was always bright, cheerful, and optimistic, even though she was confined to her room because of illness. She lived in an attic apartment on the fifth floor of an old, rundown building. A friend decided to visit her one day and brought along another woman-a person of great wealth. Since there was no elevator, the two ladies began the long climb upward.

When they reached the second floor, the well-to-do woman commented, “What a dark and filthy place!” Her friend replied, “It’s better higher up.” When they arrived at the third landing, the remark was made, “Things look even worse here.” Again the reply, “It’s better higher up.” The two women finally reached the attic level, where they found the bedridden saint of God. A smile on her face radiated the joy that filled her heart. Although the room was clean and flowers were on the window sill, the wealthy visitor could not get over the stark surroundings in which this woman lived. She blurted out, “It must be very difficult for you to be here like this!” Without a moment’s hesitation the shut-in responded, “It’s better higher up.”

While she could have focused on her suffering, the old woman realized that her pain was temporary and that one day she’d be in Heaven where things were better.

Even so, if we are to endure our suffering and remain faithful to God, we must remember that our trials and pains are only temporary. First Peter 4:13 says, “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

According to God’s Word, we can rejoice during times of adversity. Because Christ has suffered and endured adversity on the Cross, we can take part of that suffering and have our sins forgiven. Knowing we are saved and are taking part in Christ’s suffering, we can rejoice!

These trials can be times of joy! When we compare our trials with the trials and suffering our Lord went through, we have no need to be discouraged. God is in control! And because He has suffered the same adversity, we can look to Him for help during these times.

Rejoicing comes through putting your confidence in the Lord. Too often we can face the challenges of life and try to tackle them by ourselves. But God wants us to step aside and let Him work out the difficulties. When we realize that Christ is in control and will take care of the trial, we can rejoice!

Are you rejoicing in your time of adversity? Are you looking to Christ as your source of strength? The way to overcome adversity and to have joy in times of suffering is by looking to the Cross for strength. Spend time reflecting on Christ’s suffering today. Take time to read John 18-19. Then as you go about your day, remember that in light of all that the Lord went through, our sufferings are minimal! –By Dr. Paul Chappell

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters.
Psalm 23:2

In Psalm 23, green pastures and still waters are a sign of contentment. Few images convey the concept of peace like a flock of sheep under shady trees with their legs tucked under them, chewing the cud beside still waters. Sheep don’t lie down to eat. They only lie down after they’ve eaten, and then they relax and enjoy again what they’ve previously eaten. Nor do they lie down if they’re nervous or frightened. They only relax when they feel secure, content, and at peace.

The provisions of God’s grace come with overflowing blessings, along with accompanying contentment and joy. God’s grace enables us to enjoy His fields and His folds. When the Lord is our shepherd, we have everything we need. We shall not want. We’re blessed, supplied, led, protected, and content with our Great Shepherd.

Jesus said, “The thief cometh not, but fot to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd” (John 10:10-11a).

If you have the Shepherd, you have grace for every sin, direction for every turn, a candle for every corner, and an anchor for every storm.
Max Lucado  (From Turning Point)