If we are honest with ourselves and with one another, our mood is typically based on our current circumstances. Only when we have a perspective that looks beyond our circumstances does this reality change. When things are going well, we are more likely to be happy. When things are not going well, our happiness diminishes.
Of course, this is the normal result of human emotions. If someone frustrates me, I get angry. If someone hurts me, I get sad. If someone encourages me, I get happy. If someone scares me, I get frightened.
GOOD FRIDAY
Today is Good Friday. Why do we call it “good,” though? No one except the enemies of Jesus who condemned Him to the cross would have called it good then. Of course, until we turn from our sins and place our faith in Jesus Christ, we too are His enemies. It is our sin that put Him on the cross, for He died in our place.
Looking back, though, we know why the day we remember as Jesus’ crucifixion is called “Good Friday.” He took our sins upon Himself and died on the cross, and on the third day – Sunday – He rose from the dead. If He had died and not risen, then today would not be Good Friday. Today and every day would be terrible. We would have no reason for hope.
REASON FOR HOPE
Looking back at history, though, we do have a reason for hope. In fact, our hope is based on history – the historical fact that Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and rose again. Now, all who turn from sin and place their faith in Jesus Christ will be forgiven and made right with God. What an incredible promise (Romans 10:9-13)!
So, as followers of Jesus, we can have hope, joy, and contentment that is based on something far greater than our circumstances. We have hope based on history because history has secured our future.
PROPER PERSPECTIVE
If I lost everything I had today, I am sure I would lose my joy. To say my day would be ruined would be a drastic understatement. What if I somehow knew the future, though, and knew that I would have it all back (and much more) tomorrow? Well, then my day would obviously not be ruined. I would actually have great joy and contentment, despite my present circumstances because I would be aware of what is to come.
And, that is how hope and satisfaction are for followers of Jesus. When we have the proper perspective (knowing of the eternal inheritance for all who follow Jesus), then we can be hopeful and satisfied even when things are not going well. Even in the midst of a pandemic, we can find joy and contentment. Even when faced with great loss in this life, we can find joy. That is the present and eternal reality of the gospel.
EXPERIENCING LIFE
On Resurrection Sunday morning, Lord willing, I will be preaching from 1 Peter 1:1-9 on the great truth of our journey “From Death to Life,” sharing three realities for those who have new life in Christ. If you have yet to experience that new life, would you consider clicking the picture below to learn how? If you have experienced that new life, are you finding your hope and satisfaction in the gospel?
DrakeCity 