Pastor's Corner

We look for belonging, purpose, and joy in so many different places.  And as diligently as we may search (among the things of this earth, that is), the best that we can come up with are inklings and shadows of that which we, in the depths of our souls, desperately hope to discover.  That's because the stuff of the world, much of which is good, was never intended to meet our greatest need or to fill our deepest void.  Only the presence of God can do that!

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11)

I think we often view God's knowledge of and concern for our everyday situations as broad and sketchy, as if He knows and cares about the big picture only and is uninterested in the fine points.  And we pray as though we need to fill Him in on the details of our circumstances.  For example, we tell God exactly what is going on, how it started, why it started, who said what, and what it might mean for us if the situation is not resolved correctly, as if He needed that information so as to appropriately intervene.

But Scripture tells us that God knows us and our everyday situations intimately.  He is well aware of the fine points of our lives, and He cares deeply about them!

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.  But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Matt. 10:29-31)

As I read my devotions this morning, it came home to me in a new and fresh way that love is a decision, not a feeling.  And it came to me through John's words in 1 John 3:23...

"And this is his commandment, that we...love one another" (1 John 3:23)

What strikes me about this verse is that we are commanded to love one another.  And why that's important is because "feelings" cannot be commanded, only "decisions" can be.  In other words, we are not being encouraged to feel warm fuzzies toward one another; rather, we are being charged to speak and act toward others in loving ways.

There are plenty of times when I don't feel warm and fuzzy toward others; nevertheless, I am commanded to love them anyway, i.e. I am expected to make decisions about my speech and/or my actions directed toward them that are loving in nature.

Hard to do?  Absolutely! But...

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13)