How Can We Experience True and Lasting Happiness and Joy?

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn DevotionalsLeave a comment

We live in a society that believes joy and happiness come when we attain complete self-autonomy; when we are controlled by no one but ourselves. This is evidenced by a number of legal and cultural battles that have been waged over the last year. Obergefell removed the Christian strictures on marriage. Bathroom ordinances are being enacted, struck down, and fought over. Just yesterday the Supreme Court struck down Texas’ abortion clinic restrictions. These cases and battles signal that any encroachment on personal autonomy and self-rule will not be tolerated.

More To It

These fights and cases, however, are about more than marriage, bathrooms, and terminating a pregnancy. They are about more than change and progress.

These fights arise from and signal our sinful desire to rule ourselves, to be our own gods.

It is believed, even if it is not admitted, that ruling our lives in place of God will finally provide the joy and happiness man desires. But, if you notice, one victory just leads to another battle. Another cause to be championed is always around the next corner. That’s because throwing off the strictures of God’s rule will never provide the happiness and joy we desire. The sweet taste of victory fades quickly, and a new battle that promises joy and happiness when won must take its place. The search is never ending.

The Search Can Be Over

The Psalmist, however, paints a different picture for us. He tells us that:

“Those who look to him are radiant” (Ps. 34:5a)

In other words, those who turn to, instead of away from, God will experience the joy and happiness for which they long.

So instead of casting off all reason and logic in an effort to rule ourselves, we need to turn to God. We need to submit to Him and His Law. He is our Creator, and living in the way He has designed will always be better for us in the end. It will provide the joy and happiness for which we long, as well as a well ordered and thriving society.

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” (Ps. 34:8)

Question for Reflection

  1. Do you believe self-autonomy provides lasting happiness and joy?

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My Times are in Your Hand, O Lord

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn DevotionalsLeave a comment

“My times are in your hand; ” (Ps. 31:15a)

In this verse, David acknowledges God’s sovereign plan and purpose for his life. He is confident in God’s plan.

From where does David’s confidence arise?

David’s confidence stems from his knowledge that God is in control. As a result, he rests in the Lord and places his trust in Him, recognizing that God is for him, “You are my God”, he says (Ps 31:14). He further trusts in Him because he knows God is a God of “steadfast love” (Ps 31:16), who will not allow him to “be put to shame” (Ps. 31:17). The Lord is good and gracious, extending His goodness to those who fear and take refuge in Him (Ps. 31:19).

The remarkable thing about David’s pronouncement is that it is made during a time of great need. He was despised, defamed, and persecuted when he penned these words.

Can we say the same?

I wonder if we can say the say, even during time of abundance and peace? Do we recognize that our times are in God’s hands? Do we trust Him to deliver and rescue us from our enemies? Do we recognize His steadfast love, goodness, and abundant mercies? Is God our refuge, whom we love and praise, even when our enemies are surrounding us?

Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! (Ps. 31:23-24)

Question for Reflection

  1. Do you trust in the all-sovereign Lord?

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Is your prosperity getting in the way of praising God for His provision?

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn DevotionalsLeave a comment

“Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.” By your favor, O Lord, you made my mountain stand strong; you hid your face; I was dismayed. To you, O Lord, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy: “What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness? Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me! O Lord, be my helper!” You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!” (Ps 30:4–12)

Context

These verses indicate that David was well off. After all, he was the king of Israel. His kingdom was rich and blessed in many different ways. The things his hands touched prospered. In his life of ease, he forgot about the Lord. He thought his possessions, money, kingdom, and military was all he needed for success. But this was not so. The reason he had what he had was because of the hand of the Lord.

Pride = The Lord’s Discipline

As a result of his pride, David faced the discipline of the Lord (Ps. 30:7). God hid His face from him. In other words, He removed His blessing and protection. Eventually, through the Lord’s discipline, David realized his sin, repented, cried to the Lord for mercy, and was restored (Ps. 30:8-10).

For Us

David teaches us a valuable lesson, especially those of us that live in Western Christendom. We are a prosperous nation and people by all account. Many of us don’t want for anything. We are successful. Live in nice houses, drive nice cars, and have a good paying job that provides well for our family. We are able to take vacations every year, entertain our families every weekend, and enroll our children in extracurricular activities throughout the year. We are a prosperous people.

While it is okay to enjoy the Lord’s blessings, we go wrong, just like David, when we begin to trust in our prosperity instead of the Lord. When things are going well, it’s easy to forget God is the One who provides everything we have. Sometimes it takes God removing His hand of blessing from our life in order for us to realize that He is the One who prosperous us instead of ourselves.

May we always remember the reason we have what we have is because of the Lord’s blessings on our lives. When we forget that all important trust and begin to trust in ourselves, may we be quick to repent of our pride and turn to worship the Lord for His abundant grace, mercy, and provision.

Question for Reflection

  1. Is your prosperity getting in the way of praising God for His provision?

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What are the Benefits of Those Who Fear the Lord?

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Devotionals2 Comments

We are told in Proverbs 1:7 that:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; 
fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

What does it mean to fear the Lord?

Fearing the Lord means that we have a certain awe and respect for God, which arises from recognizing our place in the universe. No matter what psychology says, we are not the center that everything and everyone should revolve around. God is at the center because He is the Creator and subsequent owner of all creation. We are His.

When we recognize God’s power, glory, and creative genius, we should be driven to wonder, amazement, and a deep respect for God. Instead of worshipping self or creation, we should worship the Lord. Instead of trying to do things on our own, thinking we know best, we should seek the Lord and His Word because we know He knows best, and when we live according to His design things go well.

The Benefits of those who Fear the Lord

The Psalmist, building on the idea from Proverbs, enumerates the benefits of those who fear the Lord in Psalm 25.

(1) His guilt is pardoned, and he no longer has to fear the Lord’s wrath (11).

(2) He receives the Lord’s instruction, telling him how he should live (12).

(3) His soul is at ease. Worry, stress, and, at times, even the hardship of life are not present (13a).

(4) His children will inherit the land promised by the Lord because the father’s actions don’t result in discipline. By the hand of the Lord, He dwells securely in the land and his children are able to inherit that same land (13b).

(5) He will receive the counsel of a friend from the Lord (14a).

(6) God’s covenant faithfulness is made known to him (14b).

(7) He will be rescued from his enemies by the strong hand of the Lord (15).

Question for Reflection

  1. Do you fear the Lord?
  2. Do you recognize the benefits of fearing Him?

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Preach the Gospel for a Changed Nation

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn DevotionalsLeave a comment

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.” (Ps 24:1–2)

The Sovereignty of God

The Psalmist tells us that God is sovereign over all creation. God’s sovereignty stems from His ownership. The heavens, the earth, and all that dwell within were created by God and are now sustained by Him.

Foreign Concept

God as Creator and sovereign Lord is a foreign concept for most. One that is rejected by our culture, which is why our nation is in the state it is in. When we reject the Creator and His design for how we are to live, we will suffer the consequences (Rom 1).



What’s Needed for Change

A revival of the idea that God is Creator and Sovereign Lord over all is what is needed for this nation to get back on track, not the right political candidate or governmental program. I say that because recognizing those things about God will cause us once again to live according to His design and plan, which is what our country was founded on, and it is what our country needs to be great again. So instead of preaching your favorite political candidate or governmental program, preach the gospel to your neighbor. It is the only thing that will change their heart and mind. It is the only thing that will cause them to see God for who He is – Our Creator and Sovereign Lord. So preach the gospel, it is the only thing that will bring about the change we desire.

Question for Reflection

  1. Do you believe the gospel has the power to change our nation?

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Praise the Lord’s Deliverance

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn DevotionalsLeave a comment

“From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will perform before those who fear him. The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live forever! All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.” (Ps 22:25–28)

When the Lord delivers us in some way, whether it be from an enemy, financial or health crisis, or a difficult time, we should praise the Lord. One way we can praise this Lord is by proclaiming His name to those in our own church, neighborhood, work place, and to the nations, calling all peoples to worship and seek Him.

The Lord is a loving and powerful God. He cares for His children and He desires to answer their prayers. Not only does the Lord desire to answer your prayer, but He is powerful enough to actually answer them. He is the King over all the nations.

Turn to the Lord in your time of need. Call out to Him. When He answers your prayer, praise His name to those around you so that their faith in the Lord will grow as well.

Question for Reflection

  1. When is the last time you praised the Lord for prayer He has answered?

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