“I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”–Philippians 4:2–4

A divided church is not going to be a powerful church. Unity was one of the most prominent characteristics of the church in Jerusalem. The Bible tells us that on the Day of Pentecost, “They were all with one accord in one place” (Acts 2:1). Yet because churches are filled with people, there are frequently issues that must be addressed. The best solution to bring about unity is not for us to focus on each other, but instead to focus on God. Just as pianos are not tuned to each other but instead to a tuning fork, His joy provides a common thread that will knit disparate hearts together and bring unity.

In his sermon “The Duty of Joy” Charles Spurgeon said, “There is a marvelous medicinal power in joy. Most medicines are distasteful; but this, which is the best of all medicines, is sweet to the taste, and comforting to the heart. We noticed, in our reading, that there had been a little tiff between two sisters in the church at Philippi; as a cure for disagreements, the apostle says, ‘Rejoice in the Lord alway.’ People who are very happy, especially those who are very happy in the Lord, are not apt either to give offence or to take offence. Their minds are so sweetly occupied with higher things, that they are not easily distracted by the little troubles which naturally arise among such imperfect creatures as we are. Joy in the Lord, then, drives away the discords of earth.” ( Daily in the Word)

“For all have sinned , and come short of the glory of God;  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past , through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” –Rom. 3:23-26

Here is a question the natural mind cannot answer–How can sinful man be reconciled to a holy God? Here is a mystery that can only be unraveled by the wisdom of God. Here is a need that can only be met by the One who is all-powerful. There exist an enmity between sinful man and God who is holy that is so great that nothing short of divine love can settle it. But how can this be? What is the solution? Where do we find the answer? Fortunately God has the answer–God is the answer! John Stott stated it like this:

“But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.” –Psalm 37:39

The “time of trouble” can be a number of things. It can be something we have faced on numerous occasions or something new. Likewise the nature of the trouble can vary–it comes in all sorts and sizes. But the need in time of trouble is always exactly the same–“the LORD“. There is never a second when He is unneeded. As the song says, “I need Thee every hour”. The following article is found in an old publication called “Daily Portions”. I trust it will provide just what you need for whatever you are forced to face.

“Times of trouble try the saint of God, and they are meant to do so; that is the very purpose why they are sent, for “the Lord tries the righteous.” Still the promise holds good–“he is their strength in the time of trouble.” When he breaks up the fountains of the great deep of sin and iniquity, he strengthens his people that they may not be carried away by the flood. When he hides his face, he strengthens them to say, “Though he slays me, yet will I trust in him.” When temptation besets them severely, when they are put into the furnace, the Lord is with them there, as he was with the three men whom Nebuchadnezzar cast in. The Son of God is there with them, so that not a hair of their head is singed, nor does the smell of fire pass upon them (Dan. 3:27).

In all their afflictions he is afflicted, and by sharing it with them supports them under it. He is thus their strength; for he strengthens them with strength in their soul. He enables them to bear the weighty cross–to sustain the heavy load of trial and affliction–to put their mouth in the dust as needing and deserving his chastising strokes, and submit to his righteous dispensations and dealings as plainly sent by a gracious and loving hand.

And ever and anon he drops in a sustaining word, gives an encouraging look, bestows a soft and healing touch, and thus helps them to wait in faith and hope until in due time he sends full deliverance. Thus he helps and delivers, and will do so in every time of trouble down to their dying-bed, when he will give them their full and final deliverance from the body of sin and death, and a world full of iniquity and sorrow.”

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever . Amen.”–2 Peter 3:18

While we should consider this command as a responsibility, we ought to see it as much more. Doing as we are told is also a great blessing. The benefits of such growth affects every area of our life and provides what nothing else can do. Sadly, many are not growing and are missing God’s best for their lives. A W Tozer wrote:

“God will speak to us if we read and study and obey the Word of God! But when He does speak, we should speak back to Him in prayer and devotion. Otherwise, we are among the Christians who are mired down right where we are. Many in our congregations have grown older and yet are not one inch farther up the mountain than on that day when the sun first arose on them in conversion. In fact, some are not even as far advanced along the way with God as they were a few years ago. If these things are true, I can only conclude that there are “common” Christians, men and women who no longer hear the Lord speaking to them as they should. Can they really think that this half-way Christian life is the best that we can know? In the face of what Christ offers us, how can we settle for so little? It is a tragedy of our time that so many are settling for less than the Lord is willing to give!”

“Sin shall not have dominion over you.” Romans 6:14

What a precious promise. How many of the Lord’s people have been cheered and encouraged by it. Sin lives in us, works in us, fights in us, but it shall not reign. It may annoy, it shall not destroy. Its authority is destroyed by the Lord; its power is weakened by grace; it is warned to quit its old residence, and it will soon be ejected. We are not under the condemning power of the law, it is not our rule of justification, but we are under favour; God dealeth with us as with children. He pardons, pities, and delivers us. He will not allow sin to hold us in perpetual bondage, or to condemn us at the last day; but He will set us at liberty, and justify us fully. The flesh will lust against the Spirit, corruption will rise and fight; but we shall be strengthened, assisted, and counselled until we finally overcome. Grace shall reign through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord. The law will be honoured in our endless blessedness, and Jesus will be glorified in us throughout eternity. By grace we are saved.

On such love, my soul, still ponder,
Love so great, so rich, so free!
Say, while lost in holy wonder,
Why, O Lord, such love to me
Hallelujah,
Grace shall reign eternally. –James Smith, 1840