During suffering, it's easy to turn inward. We think that giving attention to these things will help us feel better. Instead, Jesus gives us a greater purpose. Even our suffering can be leveraged as an opportunity to testify of salvation in Jesus and we find satisfaction and joy in Him. We see this example in Paul's life. Just after taking a beating, Paul takes the opportunity to share the gospel.
People can be so frustrating! They often get in the way of our plans and goals. Problems arise because we have the wrong focus, but other times it happens as we try to do what’s right. Paul faces frustrating scenarios in Acts 21, but he walks through it graciously with his devotion to Christ and the gospel. The gospel frees us to serve others, and the gospel prepares us to suffer with joy!
What is God's will for my life? Often in wrestling with this question, we get distracted from the things we know are God's will for us: to love Him, to love one another, to make disciples, and so forth. We are easily distracted. Paul faces the temptation to avoid God's will because it involves suffering. In the end, he and the other disciples say, "The will of the Lord be done" whatever the cost.
Have you ever felt like you were floating without direction? This happens easily in life during transition. In Acts 20, Paul prepares the Ephesian elders for a transition. He’s leaving not to return, but he encourages them that God has fully prepared them to thrive with His Word and His Spirit. This helps us to remember our purpose and the resources God has given us to stay focused on our purpose.
Why are Sunday mornings so hard?! No matter how hard you try you can't be there on time. During the sermon, all you can think about is the stuff you didn't complete Saturday and still need to do this afternoon or you're trying to stay awake. Is it worth it? Acts 20:1-16 reminds us that Sunday gatherings are worth it. We see a huge priority the early church put on gathering and hearing the Word!
Nothing incites our passion more than an attack on what we love. If we are honest, we can all think of times we've responded with irrationality when something we loved was threatened. Ephesus formed a dangerous mob. The gospel is an attack on idolatry. Only the One who died and rose again is worthy of our love and worship. As the gospel attacks idolatry in our hearts, we should expect resistance!
Are we losing the next generation? This question weighs heavily on the minds of parents. We often turn to our own methods to "win the children." But God cares far more about our hearts! He has given us instructions about how to help them love Him and follow Him. Psalm 78 shows the importance of telling the next generation about the wonderful works of God and His faithfulness through our failings.
Have you ever had so much on your mind you couldn't sleep? Asaph felt that way when he was overwhelmed by his troubles. We can relate. But by the end of the Psalm, Asaph is praising God. He focused on God's powerful salvation. In sorrow, when we look inward, we sink deeper into discouragement. Remember God's powerful salvation when overwhelmed by your troubles, and find confidence in Him again.
We were made to worship. We are often wowed by the things around us, people, and new inventions. Our eyes, thoughts, and tastes are drawn to things that are powerful. We can also look at the world around us and greatly fear the magnificent or the unknown. Psalm 76 describes God’s majesty over His people, His enemies, and all of heaven and earth. Asaph summarizes the song with a call to worship.
Have you had a stiff neck? It hurts. A "stiff neck" is a metaphor in Scripture - often referencing an animal that resists its master with stubborn pride. We treat God similarly at times, unwilling to yield to Him. God is judge, so we must humble ourselves before Him with thankfulness. Psalm 75 serves as a "quiz" of sorts to test our hearts and reveal whether we are truly humble before our Judge.