Tag: #grateful

Gaps only God is meant to fill

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Do you have a neighbor or acquaintance that you see, but haven’t gotten to know on a personal level? Do you find yourself letting your imagination fill in the blanks about their character and story based on their behavior or things you have heard?

We tend to make up stories about people until we get to know them and have our myths busted. I confess, I do this quite often; sometimes without realizing it, until I’m confronted with reality – the truth.

There is a man in our neighborhood whom I see regularly when I go for a run. He is usually loading his lawnmower onto his trailer as I run past. We say, ‘good morning’ and that’s about it. Other than that, I don’t know him. From observation, I can tell you that he mows lawns for a living. I will spare you the details I’ve concocted about the rest of his story. However, I will say that I saw something one morning recently that contradicted my beliefs. Hence, this message came to life. I still don’t know him or the truth, but my perspective on him and his character has shifted slightly.

This made me think about our relationship with God. I believe we are guilty of doing the same thing until we learn to know Him intimately, learn more about His character, and who He says we are.

We can know things about Him and hear the stories others tell about their experiences, and perhaps we ride on the coattails of our parents until one day they are gone. Then what? We may live vicariously through others or fill voids in our lives with false beliefs. Still, until we open the Book of God’s story and ask Him to reveal Himself to us by starting a conversation that leads to a real relationship with Him, we won’t understand who we are, nor will we reflect His love or character. We won’t experience a relationship with God of our own until we pursue it daily. Maybe some are like me, and I didn’t know how to do that or that it was possible until a few years ago, after a life-changing event. That is when I found my passion for teaching others about a relationship with Christ.

A few years ago, while traveling alone, I was on a layover in an airport and met a woman whom I had the chance to give my testimony about finding a relationship with God and how it changed my life. She questioned me about it at length, “You mean that is real, you can have a relationship with God?” I felt that she had longed for it for most of her life, as she shared bits and pieces of her story and mentioned that she had wondered about it but had not experienced it to this point.

This was a divine encounter as I had prayed for God to put people in my path on this trip who needed to hear my story. I was in line to purchase my lunch and planned to take it back to my seat at the gate, but God had other plans. As the woman in front of me received her food, she turned and asked if I thought we could sit at the tables in the distance. Without hesitation, I said we could try as I followed her to the tables. It wasn’t long before she asked about the purpose of my trip, and our conversation about God followed.

I pursued the wrong things to fill the gaps in my life for many years until I finally found the only One who was meant to fill them – Jesus Christ.  I am grateful that God uses my painful stories to bring the Good News to others.

Are there voids in your life that only God is meant to fill?  Have you pursued a life-changing relationship with Christ? You are never too old to start. God is waiting with open arms for your surrender. It may seem challenging, but it’s worth it; you’re worth it. God loves you fiercely.

The verse in 2 Chronicles 16:9 states, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (New International Version (NIV).

According to Bible Study Tools, “God is not passively observing but actively seeking out individuals to support and empower. The verse highlights God’s desire to strengthen those who are sincere and wholehearted in their faith, according to some Bible commentaries. This suggests that God is not looking for perfection, but for genuine devotion.”

Protection and Promises

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

God’s promises are sprinkled throughout the Bible, encouraging us not to give up.  When Moses questioned his ability to carry out God’s plan, lead the Israelites, and ask God’s name, God reassured him, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14, ESV, Emphasis added). He instructed Moses to tell the people I AM sent me—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 3:14).  

In Hebrew, “I am” can be translated as “I will be.” In context, verse 12 records God telling Moses He will be with him. The name Yahweh (the Lord) also reminds us of God’s promises to His people and His help fulfilling their calling. God’s name indicates His character and attributes (ESV Study Bible notes, Exodus 3:14).  

Later, when Joshua took leadership, God gave him a notable task and told him to “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6). God doesn’t give orders and leave Joshua to his own devices. He gave a daunting task, yes, but He framed it with promises: “I will be with you” (v. 5) and “The Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (v. 9). These examples indicate a compassionate God who will never leave us.

Besides the promises and the task, God also shows Joshua how to succeed by not turning from the Lord’s instructions, which are integral to who he is and what he does. Likewise, we are given instructions to live by; a role model in Jesus Christ, to imitate, and promises to help us stay strong and courageous.

Peace comes from God’s love inside us. Stress and worry are not of God. Believe and receive the goodness of God. Faith captures the essence of God in a believer’s heart. He is undeniably for us. We do not need to fear, because the Lord is our helper (Heb. 13:6). We can trust in the One who holds eternity in His hand. He promises never to forsake us (Ps. 94:14). The hiccups in life are only temporary.

If we face a task God gives us, we can step out in faith, knowing He will not leave us to pursue it alone. He will open and close doors to guide our path. It is vital to remain in communion with Him, asking that His will be done.

We can lean on the promise that Christ is coming back for us, as John records Jesus’ words, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am preparing a place for you? And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am, you may be also” (John 14:1-3, Emphasis added).  

Sweet promises that sustain us until that day comes. We can find rest in these assurances.

For the last few years, I have been able to hold on to a personal promise, which I pass along to other abuse survivors: You are a beautiful flower in My garden. I send rain and sunlight to nurture you and help you grow. You are protected under the care of the Master Gardener, never to be plucked and taken away from Me again.

How are we to live in light of these promises?

Freely and joyfully, living life to the fullest, showing others the way of Christ in love. Our eternal perspective changes our attitude, as we are charged to keep our focus on Christ, the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2). We can listen for God in the day-to-day tasks and show the love of Christ to everyone we meet. Don’t get caught up in the minutia; be Kingdom-minded, doing them for God instead of men (Col. 3:23).

“He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (I John 4:4, Emphasis added).

Beyond the Storm: Cultivating a Relationship with God

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Do you have family members or friends who only reach out when they need something from you? How do they make you feel? Does it affect your relationship with them?

If the relationship consistently lacks mutual benefit and is heavily one-sided, it could understandably lead to feelings of being used or taken for granted. This kind of dynamic can strain and potentially weaken relationships over time, as trust and mutual support are essential for healthy connections.

How does that compare to when you go to God? Are you only making time for Him when you’re in desperate need?

Reflection on our relationship with God is necessary to be mindful not only of turning to Him during storms to ask for help, but also of thanking Him daily, moment by moment, for the breath in our lungs and all that He has given us. Not only that, but we are to thank God in all circumstances (1 Thes. 5:18, ESV), not just the good ones.

In the Bible Reading Plan, Yellow Balloons: Perspective in the Valley, Tim Dunn offers this insight, “We are demanding blessings without any real knowledge of The Blesser.” He follows that up with a powerful question of what it would look like for us to truly pursue God for who He is – The One who can give us more than we could ever imagine.

Ultimately, God reigns and can turn any circumstance for the better (Rom. 8:28). This is where trust and faith are paramount but can only be experienced through an intimate relationship with our Father and a heart that seeks after God in all things.

Just as consistent communication and appreciation nurture human relationships, cultivating a regular practice of thankfulness can deepen our spiritual connection.

Challenge: Be aware of how many times you acknowledge God this week and express your gratitude to Him. Gratitude isn’t just a response to significant events but a continuous posture of the heart. A grateful heart knows many blessings.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thes. 5:18, ESV, Emphasis added).

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me” (Jer. 29:13, NLT, Emphasis added).

The Sabbath: A Gift from God

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27, ESV, Emphasis added).

Have you taken time to ponder this? The Sabbath is a day of rest that God created as a gift for spiritual refreshment. It is a time to spend with God. God gave us a model for rest after He created EVERYTHING (Gen. 2:2-3). It symbolizes the Heavenly rest to come (Heb. 4:1-11). The day was created to glorify Himself.

There have been many debates over which day of the week is to be considered the “Sabbath” day for rest. Not only that, but Jesus was met with opposition over healing and harvesting food on the Sabbath (Mark 2:23-28; 3:1-6; Luke 13:10-17). Regulations that were not imposed by God but by religious leaders, who, according to The Holman Bible Dictionary, created their own laws and expanded prohibitions, such as banning the untying of knots, to the point that they lost their original spirit but satisfied legal requirements (Brand, 1396).

Jesus showed us that love for others was more important than the laws. He observed the day as a day of worship (Luke 4:16), but His failure to comply with the minute restrictions brought conflict. Jesus didn’t come to please man, but God.

The first Christians, as recorded in Acts 13:14, met on the first day of the week, which was also the Sabbath, to proclaim Christ on the day of His resurrection (Matt. 28:1; Acts 20:7). They viewed the Sabbath and other matters of the law as a shadow of which Christ is the substance (Col. 2:16-23). It meant more to Jesus to help someone in need than to hold by traditional restrictions, not created by God.

Following the establishment of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire, Sunday was officially declared a day of rest. (Brand, 1027).

For many, Sunday is just another day, or just part of the weekend before they must return to work. For others, it is a holy day, set aside for God, and a day they attend church. Others recognize Saturday as the day of rest and worship.

I don’t think the specific day matters as much as the time set aside each week to rest in the presence of an almighty God, praise Him, find spiritual refreshment, and enjoy the gift in honor of Christ. Jesus often escaped the crowds to spend time alone with God.

That can look different for each person, but in my experience, the times I spend it in nature, enjoying God’s creation, are more peaceful and rewarding, bringing a deep sense of rest for body, mind, and spirit than vegging on the couch watching TV.

The challenge is to make an intentional choice to spend time with God, whether it’s in nature, through activities like running, walking, kayaking, hiking, or fishing, or simply sitting quietly in a favorite chair or rocker on the back porch; some may find rest in their garden, digging dirt, or mowing the lawn.

A while back, you may recall, I found my deep Sabbath rest floating in a kayak on a serene lake after a busy week. Whenever and wherever you find yours, the important thing is to escape the busyness of our daily lives and intentionally focus on God, our Creator, thanking Him for the gift of rest and refreshment. The point is that we all need a deep Sabbath rest that connects us to the Creator.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor 10:31, Emphasis added). *This may be another message soon.

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps. 118:24, Emphasis added).

Run with Abandon

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

How do we get to the point that we can run with abandon – because we are always in step and never off track? This is the definition of sure-footedness, but how do we achieve it?

Habakkuk writes about having confidence in God and living at heights even in extreme circumstances (Hab. 3:19, ESV).  The same sentiment is written in 2 Samuel: “He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights” (2 Sam. 22:34, Emphasis added).

Amid life’s challenging mountains, we can still find a secure footing because of our confidence and trust in God. It starts with the fruit in our lives. If we are not bearing spiritual fruit, we will not be secure and are in danger.

Jesus demonstrated to the disciples with a fig tree what happens when we are not bearing fruit. From a distance, the tree looked fruitful; it had green leaves, indicating it should bear figs. Upon closer inspection, however, there was no fruit. Jesus cursed the tree, and it withered. This was indicative of the Jewish people of Jesus’ time who appeared to be bearing fruit but were not (Mark 11:12-14; 20). We can trust God to remove whatever is hindering us from bearing fruit. It begins in our hearts. Still, we must be willing to make the changes and allow God to work in our lives.

I remember years ago when I was miserable, mostly with myself, that I changed jobs to get a fresh start and escape some temptations. I did try to start over, but I was still the same inside, so the same problems presented themselves.

Wherever you go, there you are.

Real change can only happen inside our hearts, with God’s help. Only Jesus can truly change our character. We must want the change and ask for His help. Again, we are meant to eliminate what does not produce fruit. Only then can we run with abandon.

We can ask God to expand our hearts and help us perceive His truth (Psalm 119:32). The Psalmist speaks the language of one ravished with moral beauty – to which there is only one fitting response – to reproduce this beauty or attempt to – in one’s daily life. Not for perfection, but only a yearning, trust, and dependence on God (Ps. 119, ESV Study Bible notes).

I often ask God to reveal anything that needs to change or be removed in my heart to make more room for the Holy Spirit. This can be summed up as being God-inside-minded. It is about shifting our primary focus from the external world to the divine reality residing in believers, with a conscious connection with the Holy Spirit as a source of wisdom, love, and power.

It took me several years to figure out the root of my misery, but once the Holy Spirit transformed my heart, my life changed forever.

I don’t just want the outside to appear fruitful; I want the inside to match so that my life reflects my gratefulness for what Christ rescued me from. I finally removed my mask. That life is gone, and I want nothing to do with anything that resembles it. It was not bearing fruit and withered away at the mighty hand of Jesus upon my confession of faith (Rom. 1:16-17; Heb. 10:22-23).

Is there anything hindering you from bearing fruit? Ask God to reveal it to you and be willing to accept the change that will follow so you can run with abandon to the life God created for you. Take it from me: Wearing masks is a miserable existence. But running – that is where it’s at. Even though I don’t always get it right, I trust God to correct me and cut off anything in my life that is not bearing fruit for His Kingdom—everything for the Glory of God.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:105, emphasis added).

Who is Your Potter?

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

When God sent Jeremiah to the potter’s house – it wasn’t to select a lovely flower vase – he had a big lesson in mind. He wanted to remind him who was in control (Jere. 18:6. ESV).

How often do we forget that God is still in control? I struggled with that for years, trying to direct things my way instead of seeking God, which I didn’t know how to do until one day, on my knees, a broken mess in every sense of the word, I finally gave up and asked God what He wanted. The weight lifted immediately.

I had been carrying a heavy load on my shoulders that was intended only for God to carry. I didn’t realize the mass of it until God took it.

From that day forward, God began to shape me into the vessel He created me to be. It’s a process – He’s not finished yet. I am still learning to let go of temporary things, emotions, and anything that tries to steal my joy and peace. Sometimes, our image of God is too small. God is bigger than all our problems combined. God sees you and cares for you.

The potter and clay imagery continues in Isaiah, where God tells His people not to fear, for He has made them with a purpose and a promise (Isaiah 43:1). God remains with His people (Isaiah 41:10). We did not form ourselves – yet we often insist on trying to know what is best for ourselves. God sees the bigger picture. He knows best and wants the best for us. (God is the best, and He longs for you to come to Him). His timing is perfect. When we try to be the potter of ourselves, we often find heartache and misery.

God formed us, and we can trust in Him as a tree planted by the water – whose leaves remain green even in seasons of heat and drought (Jere. 17:7; Ps. 1:3), because we know who is in command, we can depend on Him to provide all we need (Matt. 6:33; Luke 12:24).

This analogy lends itself to concepts such as trust, obedience, surrender, humility, patience, and acceptance. These things are not always easy, but when we strive to be closer to Christ, there is peace in acknowledging that some things are beyond our immediate understanding. We recognize our limited knowledge of the grand scheme of things and embrace the gifts God gives us with gratitude – one day at a time – the pace of grace.

No one deserves salvation. It comes only from God’s mercy, grace, and love (Rom. 9:22-23). There is freedom in surrendering to God that surpasses all understanding.

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Cor. 3:17, emphasis added).

Jesus’ Name is Everything

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Anxiety has a way of creeping in. Sometimes, it catches me off guard and pounces like a squirrel that spots a vulnerable nut.

If I wake up a little later than usual or am dealing with a time change that can wreak havoc with my routine, time creeps up on me, and before I know it, I’ve not had my quiet moments with God to set my day off right before heading into a busy workday.

This is when the enemy finds a crack in my armor and slips in to yank my chain with subtle anxious thoughts or feelings. If not put in its place, it can spiral quickly.

My dear husband prays peace over me and reminds me of the pace of grace. I am reminded to breathe! I press pause and take five minutes with God to reset my intentions. I reaffirm my focus and claim the peace Jesus offers (John 14:27, ESV).

Jesus’ name is everything to me because it helps me stop spiraling. He is my peace and Waymaker, calm in the storm, and light in the dark (John 8:12). One whisper of His name settles my spirit and sends the enemy packing. Instead of anxiously striving, I find solace and joy that carries me through whatever the day holds.

Jesus is the living water for our dry, thirsty bones, which need refreshment in any season (John 4:14). I pray for a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit that revitalizes and strengthens us to persevere until Jesus’ return. As Peter reminds us, God is not slow to fulfill His promise but is patiently giving others a chance at repentance, not wanting anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9).

Perhaps this should light a fire under us to share the Good News with more people. Paul says that everyone who calls on the name of God will be saved (Rom. 10:13). Still, he continues to ask, how will they call on God if they don’t believe, and how will they believe in God if they have never heard the Good News (Rom. 10:14)?  

With this series of questions, Paul highlights the chain of events necessary for salvation through Christ (Rom. 10:14-15). The ESV Study Bible notes the logic of Paul’s plea: People will call on Jesus to save them only if they believe he can do it; belief in Christ cannot happen without the knowledge of Him; one only hears about Christ when someone proclaims their testimony and saving message; the message cannot be declared unless God sends someone to do so.

Let us give hope and show others that Jesus Christ’s name has the power to save and is the weapon of choice against the enemy and darkness of this world.

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns;” (Isa. 52:7; Rom. 10:15, emphasis added).

“Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matt. 9:38, emphasis added).

Take Heart

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Jesus often tells His disciples (and us), “Take heart.” This is not a simple phrase to skip over. In the passages I read recently, the meaning is clear: He is telling us to feel encouraged, have courage, hope, and be determined (John 16:33; Matt. 14:27; Matt. 9:22; 9:2; Mark 10:49, ESV, HCSB). Messages in the Old Testament reflect the same sentiment—Psalms 27:14 and 31:24, to name a couple.

Not because of what we can do but because of what God has already done. The key is to look to Jesus Christ and focus on Him.

In reading the Jesus Calling Devotional this week, Sarah Young writes, “Wear my peace with regal dignity.” This reminded me of the Isaiah verse where God’s arm brought salvation – putting on the armor as Paul listed in Eph. 6, but catch this visual – “He wrapped Himself in zeal as a cloak” (Isa. 59:17, HCSB, emphasis added).

I frequently pray for each piece of armor and end my prayers with this verse to wrap myself in zeal as a cloak. “To put on the armor is to put on the Messiah Himself” (Isa. 11:5, ESV). Talk about the ultimate protection from the enemy!

Peter’s faith helped him take the first step to walk on water toward Jesus. But as soon as his eyes shifted to the storms around him, he began to sink and cried out to Jesus for help (Matt. 14:29-30, ESV). The disciples had been in the boat battling the storms for over nine hours. Sometimes, we wait until we are desperate and afraid before we call on Him to save us. Fear has a way of taking over at times. We forget to focus on Christ and feel like we are sinking into despair.

But don’t miss this next verse: As soon as Peter cried out, “Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him” (Matt. 14:31, ESV, emphasis added). Doubt and fear can work like an anvil – weighing us down. When we cry out, Jesus immediately answers our plea.

Recognizing God’s presence is the anecdote to fear.

Jesus’ invitation to “come” (v. 29) is a never-ending offer. He is our shelter from every storm (Psalm 46:1, ESV), but our faith wavers when we focus on the storms instead of God. How quickly do we forget that Jesus is the Son of God and His saving power?

If we go back to the passages just before Peter’s encounter with Jesus on the water, the disciples had just witnessed Jesus feeding over 5,000 people with two fish and five loaves.  They had just seen a miracle (Matt. 14:13-21), but they waited nine hours in the middle of the next storm and began to panic before calling on God to help. Then, when Jesus was there, they still had doubts, and as we see, Peter takes his eyes off Jesus for a moment, and that is all it took to bring the overwhelming fear back.

“The safest place to be is in God’s will” (Young, Jesus Calling).

The NLT Chronological Life Application Study Bible notes the best way to maintain faith in difficult situations is to focus on the power of Jesus rather than our inadequacies. We can reach out to the only One who can help in times of faltering faith.

Going back to Jesus feeding 5,000. It mentions they had leftovers: “They ate and were filled. Then they picked up 12 baskets of leftover pieces” (Matt. 14:20, HCSB, emphasis added)! Did you catch that? Not only did they feed a multitude with a small amount of food, and they were filled, but they also had leftovers – TWELVE BASKETS.

There is another lesson in the leftovers: God not only gives good gifts but also gives in abundance. He multiplies whatever small amount we can offer, whether our time, resources, or abilities, above our wildest expectations. If we take the first step in faith and make ourselves available to God, He will demonstrate how greatly He can use you to advance the work of the Kingdom (The NLT Chronological Life Application Study Bible).

I recently watched a sermon by Steven Furtick, who said Peter looked too far ahead instead of what was right in front of him. He demonstrated how we must take one step at a time with what we know today and not look too far into the future or at our past. Instead, we need to focus on each step we take with God at this moment and let Him lead us to His purpose and plan.

If we can manage this, God will show up abundantly and do immeasurably more than we can fathom. In our weakness, He is strong (2 Cor. 12:9, ESV).

Take heart. Jesus Christ is all-powerful and is for us (Rom. 8:31-32, ESV).

“Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us – to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Eph. 3:20-23, HCSB, emphasis added).

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me” (2 Cor. 12:9, HCSB, emphasis added).

Wrestling with God

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

After a long, brutal winter that didn’t allow for much running, I am finally happy to be back out there as the weather begins to change. Still, it doesn’t come without challenges, but it’s not my first experience in building up again. I know how to do it, but that’s not the challenging part; it’s doing it. It requires diligence, consistency, and intentional steps toward my goal. It also requires giving myself grace on difficult days.

Granted, in the beginning, it’s mostly walking, but the more consistent I am, the more I know I will eventually be able to rerun the whole route. As I mentioned in my blog, Childlike Wonder, last week, our relationship with God requires the same diligence, consistency, and intentional steps toward Him to illuminate our path and draw us closer to Christ. Even if we have experienced closeness to God, these areas can have challenging seasons.

Struggles with others marked Jacob’s life. He stole his twin brother’s birthright and received his father’s blessing, which was meant for Esau (Gen. 25:31). Years later, he was fearful when he was to reencounter his brother. Jacob is confronted by an angel of God, whom he believes to be God Himself. Wrestling with him all night, the angel rendered Jacob’s hip out of joint – and his name was changed to Israel – which means “he strives with God.” – Jacob realized the importance of God’s blessing and was the climax of a lifetime of battles with others (Gen. 25:22).

Jacob was a new man. When he met Esau, his attitude had changed, and he bowed down to him. Esau, like God, showed Jacob unmerited favor and embraced him. Jacob realized his weakness before God, and it taught him the value of continued prayer from one who is helpless. He emerged willing to let his life fall into God’s control (Brand, 849).

God’s blessing was upon Jacob, but He did not choose him because of what he was—He chose Jacob because of what he could become (Gen. 32:22-32; Hosea 12:3-4, ESV).

How often do we wrestle with God and fail to let Him lead our lives? Then, we wonder why we are fearful, worried, or doubting ourselves. These are real emotions, but they stem from the devil, who wants to emphasize our inabilities over faith and trusting God to help us become who He created us to be. Sometimes, our anxious striving keeps us from feeling God’s presence if we allow it to linger. Resting in the presence of God and whispering Jesus’ name helps us refocus.

Like running, my quiet time with God is intentionally dedicated to being still before Him and asking Him what He wants for my life. God gives me grace on days when my diligence is more challenged. But the more consistent we are in putting the devil behind us and allowing God to lead without wrestling with Him, the more blessed we are – not because of who we are – but because of who we can become with God’s help.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” (Ps. 46:1-2, emphasis added).

Anna’s Legacy – The Secret Ingredient to Joy

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

In our prayer team devotion time recently, our leader read about the prophetess, Anna, whom Luke recorded as a widow who “did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day” (Luke 2:37, ESV, emphasis added). He reflected that she saw many of Jesus’ miracles performed there. She was devoted to being with God and worshiping God –day in and day out – continually seeking His presence.

As our leader admitted, I realized that I, too, had not remembered much about Anna in my reading. Although not mentioned anywhere else in Scripture, her life is a powerful testimony to her devotion to God. Her legacy is summed up in only two verses—Luke 2:36–38— yet we learn much about her life and legacy of faithfulness in these compacted passages.

She was from the tribe of Asher and the daughter of Phanuel. She was a prophetess who was a widow much longer than she was married. Up to age eighty-four, she devoted herself to worshiping God in the temple for most of her life, and don’t miss this critical part—day and night—she never left the temple. She thanked God and told others what she saw and knew about the Messiah while awaiting Jerusalem’s redemption. She was a powerful witness to Jesus’ life.

At the time of Anna, the Temple in Jerusalem was the central place of worship for the Jewish people. It was a significant religious and social hub where people gathered for sacrifices, prayers, and festivals. The Temple described in the Gospel of Luke was likely Herod’s Temple, a magnificent structure built during the first century BC.

After Jesus’ ascension and the gift of the Holy Spirit, the temple of God is within each believer of Christ. Our body is the temple where God, the Holy Spirit, resides.

In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Paul states: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”

In connecting the dots, John 15:10-11 emphasizes the vital correlation between abiding in Christ and bearing fruit. *Abiding in God means to remain in the Temple of God.

“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.” In her blog, Enough About Me – Find Lasting Joy in the Age of Self, Stacy Reaoch writes, “Thisverse highlights the importance of obedience to God’s Word as the foundation for a deep and abiding relationship with Christ.”

Furthermore, Jesus relates abiding in Him to experiencing complete joy. Coming full circle, as 2024 ends, you may remember that my word of focus was JOY; this seems to wrap it up nicely.

 “I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11, ESV, Emphasis added). This verse emphasizes that true joy and fulfillment come from a deep and abiding relationship with Christ, not from worldly pursuits.

In summary, here are a few core principles for abiding in God (continually worshiping day and night in the temple of God as Anna demonstrates):  

  • Remembering God’s Word: Regular Bible study and meditation help us understand God’s character, His will for our lives, and His promises.
  • Loving God and Others: Our love for God and others flows from our relationship with Christ and manifests in acts of service, compassion, and forgiveness.
  • Obeying God: This involves actively following God’s will in all our lives.

By consistently striving to live out these principles, we can experience the fullness of life that comes from abiding in Christ and bearing fruit for His kingdom.

While the physical Temple in Jerusalem held immense significance in the Old Testament, the focus in the New Testament shifts towards the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within individual believers. This idea significantly relates to how Christ-followers understand their relationship with God and their role in the world.

By allowing Jesus in our hearts, the Holy Spirit dwells inside us as a gift from God to help us experience joy in this life – no matter what else is going on in our lives. This requires intentionally focusing on Jesus when life throws its worst at us and the enemy tries to keep us down with doubts and fears. Let’s not allow our emotions to dictate our joy.

To recap:

  • True joy is an inner wellspring: It’s not dependent on external circumstances. While external factors influence our moods, true joy comes from a deep and abiding relationship with Christ.
  • The Holy Spirit is our Comforter and Guide: As promised in John 14:26, the Holy Spirit empowers us to navigate life’s challenges. He provides us with strength, peace, and guidance, enabling us to overcome obstacles and maintain our joy even in difficult times.
  • Focusing on Jesus is crucial: When faced with trials, it’s easy to get caught up in our emotions – fear, anxiety, anger. However, by intentionally focusing on Jesus, we can shift our perspective. We can remember His promises, draw strength from His love, and find solace in His presence.

“Let not your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1, emphasis added)

This verse reminds us that true peace and joy come from trusting in Jesus, even when life throws curveballs our way. It’s a daily practice to intentionally focus on Jesus, to seek His guidance, and to allow His love to fill our hearts. This intentional effort is essential for experiencing lasting joy, regardless of external circumstances.

My hope and goal are to become more like Jesus and be intentional about my focus on Him. Anna is a good example for us to follow as we focus our daily lives on Jesus—the Messiah—and, in gratitude, tell others about His marvelous works while we await our eternal home.

*Abide: to continue a daily personal relationship with Jesus, characterized by trust, prayer, obedience, and joy (ESV Study Bible notes). Jesus is the secret ingredient, and abiding in Him is the key to true joy. Happy New Year!