November 20, 2017
Although the fig tree does not flourish, the vines do not bear fruit, the olive trees do not work, the fields produce no food, there are no sheep in the pens, and there are no sheep in the stalls. nor oxen;
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength; he makes my feet as swift as the feet of a deer, and keeps me on high places.
Although, I experienced a sin yesterday, just like Israel and Judah in the Old Testament because they sinned and did not repent, they were punished by God and were taken captive to the Kingdom of Babylon. In this context, God’s people seemed to have no hope of life. Your own hard work will not be rewarded. Just like my current situation, I am busy every day, exhausted physically and mentally, but with no results. I often feel anxious, and everything I do is done perfunctorily. My current state feels worse than just surviving. But the joy of relying on the Lord is the source of my strength. Why should I be happy?
First, because I have become the son of God through faith in Jesus Christ, so I fundamentally belong to the people of God’s family. Just like Israel was chosen by God. Although other nations are judged by God's wrath, the result of judgment is death. However, the God of Israel broke Israel's idolatry customs through the captivity to Babylon, that is, through experiencing tribulations, and truly returned to God's love. Although we are going through the same thing and suffering, the purpose is different.
Second, I should thank God that this word came very timely, because the joy God gives is different from that of the world. His blessing is eternal joy. Let us repent and return in our tribulations.
Third, if you know the truth, and the truth makes you free, our joy from God will bring true freedom to people, understanding and understanding how broad and deep God’s love is.