Last week I posted a blog about not speaking often enough about God’s goodness I’ve experienced because I’m single. As I was writing it, I realized that I was thinking about it too narrowly.  I love being a Christian and I am so thankful for the privilege and joy of knowing Jesus as my Lord and Savior. 

It is easy to get so bogged down by all the difficulties of life that we don’t talk about the glories of Christ often enough. It seems more natural to talk about all the troubles of this world and to complain about the disappointments we experience. I’ve needed to repent for speaking of my relationship with God as a chore more often than rejoicing in the joy of my salvation.

As Christians we are called to take up our cross daily, an instrument of death and follow Jesus.  It is good to be honest about the difficulties of the Christian life. We still face many strong adversaries: temptations to sin, suffering, doubts, heartbreaks and discouragement. Everyday is a process of learning to deny ourselves and submit more fully to Jesus.

Yet in the midst of all these struggles, we are held completely secure in the love of our Heavenly Father. When we turn to Christ in repentance and faith, the God of hope fills us with all joy and peace in believing. We become the children of God, dearly loved.  His Spirit in us fills us with an inexpressible and glorious joy as we are made into a new creation with a new heart.

We get to serve a God who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. His loving-kindness can be seen in every part of creation. We don’t have a God who came to condemn us but to save us so that we can experience abundant life through Him. He sticks closer than a brother in all of joys and sorrows. He gives us new freedom as we are continually transformed to be more like Jesus. The Lord disciplines us for our good so that we can enjoy the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

In no way do we deserve the joys of knowing and walking with Jeus. It is by the grace of God alone. May we only boast in His goodness. God allows us to experience all of these blessings with fellow believers who help to spur one another on in all the ups and downs of life. One day so soon, we will experience the fullness of God’s love and goodness together in our heavenly home.