Quiet joy.

Sunday, December 29, 2019 (9:04 a.m.)
Lake Arrowhead, CA

Awe-some God,

Mm. Yes. Awe—some!

Father, how I thank You for the contentment with which I am wrapped at this very moment. Peacefulness. Quiet joy. Delightfulness. Hmm, yes. Thank You.

Thank You for the Truth of Your Word. Thank You for the hope found therein.

This morning I am back at Revelation 22:20-21. International Children’s Bible. “Jesus is the One who says that these things [‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End’ v. 13] are true. Now He says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’”

Thank You Father. Thank You for the encouragement. The hope. “The grace of the Lord Jesus” (v. 21).

The Life Recovery Bible comment for 22:20-21 tells us, “It is unhealthy to harbor unrealistic dreams about a future that will never come about. But it is very healthy for us to anchor our new life and recovery in the certainty of Christ’s return. By trusting Christ with our future, we can deal with our past and live a more productive present.”

Yes, Lord! As we come to the close of this last year and decade, how I pray to trust You more. Yes. Yes! Deal with the past? And live a more productive present? Sign me up!

“Like the apostle John, we can pray for Christ to return soon, because we know for certain that He will come. This will not only give us hope to persevere during tough times; it will deepen our personal relationship with Him. As we trust in Him and possess the hope of meeting Him face to face, we will grow closer to Him. Then Christ’s unconditional acceptance and unlimited power will continually undergird us in recovery.”

On the one hand it all seems so lofty. Just beyond our reach. And at the very same time, I can almost feel its certainty.

Father, continue Your work. Do all You know is best. In, with, by, through and for each of us. We are Yours. We want to love as You would have us love. You. With all our hearts, souls, minds and strength (Mark 12:30). And our neighbors as ourselves (v. 31).

Make it so Dear God. Make it so. “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20b).

“The grace of the Lord Jesus (the Christ, the Messiah) be with all [the saints - all believers, those set apart for God]. Amen” (v. 21 Amplified Bible).

Yes. Please. Thank You. Amen.

(421 words ~ 9:54 a.m.)