The Word is Worth It

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. -Hebrews 4:12

Many days, we can approach Scripture as if it is only good for the occasional quote to put on our coffee mug, the inspiration for our exercise routine, or our proof in an argument. But the Word is more. It is the thing we cling to because it declares the goodness of God and his purpose for his people. It speaks of his grace on every page, and knowing this, we approach it so we might be transformed by it.

This word is true, living, vibrant, and ready to slice and dice to get to the heart of the issue, our heart. It tells us that nothing is hidden, and still Christ as our High Priest intervenes on our behalf and saves us from ourselves. It speaks a word of salvation and sanctification. It reveals our present and future glory with Christ. It is worth the effort to consume it and know it and be in it regularly.

Today, go deeper than the slogans and inspirational quotes that seem to be about personal motivation. Hear of Christ and how he is for you by his work on the cross and his resurrection.

Monopoly on Joy

"But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy!" -Psalm 68:3

There are so many things in life that attempt to delay, steal, or distract us from our joy. For the Psalmist it was the encroachment of his enemies. For us, it might be schedules, brokenness of a sinful world, or the attacks of our spiritual enemy. But in Christ, our joy is secured by God. Our joy is as secure as Jesus is because he is the blazing center of it.

He is the reason, the motivation, and the deliverer of our joy. Because of his work on the cross, we have eternal salvation, an inheritance and help by his Spirit. Nothing can touch the most important thing about us: that we belong to Christ. This is ours, and it infiltrates into all areas of our lives, bringing light, hope, and the upward inclination of this joy.

Today, run back to the source and center of your joy. Set aside the lesser joys the world says you should prioritize; be washed in his grace for you, and let it raise your face into a smile of untouchable, eternal joy.