Just over there, in the realm of the abiders – not disappointment but; encouragement prevails- not shame, rather praise with thankful hearts prevails.
James, the brother of Jesus and author of the book by his name, warns that we are not to be as a ship tossed to and fro. Let not that man think He receives anything of the LORD. At first glance this seems discouraging. (James 1: 6-7)
Let us listen to the simple Gospel; for the Gospel of God is good news to heavy hearts. “Is any among you burdened” asks the LORD Jesus, “let Him come unto me” (Matthew 11:28).
The devil wants us to forget God’s grace so that He can hound after us with accusation. All religion is without grace (unmerited favor).
The reason we love praise and worship is that for a few moments our spirits get to go where we really may abide every moment.
We can, if we like being down in the dumps, stay there. Ironically, feeling condemned, we will be people who judge others which means we think more highly of our selves than we do of them: a position of judgment requires this.
This is the fruitless state of many and is the pathway of strife; of trying to be good – at least good enough, and that means nothing. It is a blind religious journey into the abyss.
The Father knows how to raise His family of believers. We can choose to abide in Him. If we do not, our sorrow will eat us up. To abide in Him is a simple matter. Abiding makes Him alone our expectation.
Ethel Waters, a person of color, lived in what we are taught today was a white man’s world.
She saw the bright hope for all people whose struggle is real:
She won the hearts of millions singing, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow, and I know He watches me.”
This song has helped many to abide in Christ, rather than being bound by one of the many burdens we all face.
“Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”
“I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.”
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”
“Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”
He is leading me. The Christian’s permanent fix is Him.
Buddy