Perspectives

Hebrews 4:14-16 … 14) Therefore, since we have a great high priest which has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  15) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.  16) Let us then approach the throng of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV)

We look at our Lord’s life and crucifixion here on earth and listen to his words and we say, “Here is someone who understands what is happening to us.” He has experienced all life’s bitterness and heartaches. He knows how difficult it is for me to overcome old habits that are harmful to my spiritual life. He understands our indifference and our soul’s resistance to change. He understands the power of sensual attraction. He has felt the arrogance of others; He has seen the smirks and ill-disciplined smiles. He has experienced chilliness and the inability of others to understand. He knows. He understands. That means we can approach Him in prayer with confidence.

Doubts come and go, but we need not be alarmed or become over whelmed by them. Doubt is not a first sign that our faith has failed but that it is being attacked. When doubts come we should counter by reminding ourselves of their source and that what the devil says about God is not true … Satan is a liar. Then we can renew our mind and strengthen our heart with the truth that God is the God who does not lie. He is working for our good. There is nothing like Christ’s presence to dispel the fear, the panic, and the terror of the unknown. Any hour can bring disaster, danger and distress from many unknown quarters. We live in a world driven by fear and troublesome times. However, you and I can live at peace because of the Holy Spirit who lives in our heart.

Sometimes you and I think that all is doomed to failure. But then all at once there comes the awareness, the consciousness, the realization that the Holy Spirit is there. His presence makes all the difference. Things are not so black or so terrifying. The outlook changes and there is hope. Then we find ourselves delivered from fear. Rest returns and we can relax. This is the special work of God’s gracious Spirit that communicates with our fearful heart. He comes quietly to reassure us that Christ Himself is aware of our problem and deeply involved in it with us. The Bible teaches that Christ brings peace to a troubled heart. That means Jesus Christ delivers us from tension, rivalry, and cruel competition within our circle of friends. Should we allow the devil to suck us into this quagmire, it would not take long to find that envy would show its ugly face? This is where the smallest of things can grow into horrible hate. It is when ill-will and contempt come into being, the place where heated rivalry and deep discontent is born. It is here that dissatisfaction gradually grows into a way of life where one has to be forever standing up to claim their rights.

Most of us have had to break up some form of ruckus, where someone or somebody was trying to get to the top. But more important was the fact that it was the Holy Spirit’s presence that put an end to all the rivalry. In our human relationships, when we become acutely aware of being in the presence of Christ, our foolish, selfish snobbery and rivalry will end. This is the place of rest, and I must remind myself over and over again that in the end it is Christ who will decide and judge what my status really is. After all, it is His judgment of me/us that is of importance. Any human measurement at best is bound to be pretty unpredictable and unreliable.

To be close to Christ is to be conscious of His abiding presence; made so real in our mind by the indwelling Holy Spirit. There is the wider but equally awareness of God all around us. We live surrounded by His presence. We are open minded individuals, open to His scrutiny. He is conscious of every circumstance we encounter because we belong to Him.

Would pray this prayer with me … “Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my hearts desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name.” Amen