This is partially a follow-up to last week’s post where I had woken up feeling a little sick to my stomach, thinking about the state of affairs in the world. As it just so happened, the very next morning, I woke up feeling much more hopeful. But, my blog post was already set and I just decided to publish it!

That morning, I had a few songs in my heart, all pointing me to Jesus. The more I focused on Him, the better I felt! Singing that “He is exalted” and “wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchless in every way” will do that!

I recently finished listening to Knowing God by J.I. Packer. I don’t know why I waited so long to get around to it! In fact, it was so good that I bought a physical copy as well. I will definitely be rereading it at some point!

There is a lot I want to say about it… God’s majesty, wisdom, love, justice, mercy, grace, goodness, and holiness, but I’ll keep it short. The book talks about how we don’t give God the credit due Him because we tend to think He is like us, not the other way around. So, when God says He is jealous or powerful or vengeful, we automatically assume that’s a bad thing. We tend to misjudge God, but He is so much better, wiser, kinder, more merciful, and more loving than we can understand.

The best part is that He wants us to be a part of His family! God is a good Father and takes good care of his kids! Jesus is the perfect agent and representative of God to us. He is also the Soon Returning King. When we know who Jesus is and who we are because of Him, we do not have to be afraid. He is our Peace, so we can choose to be afraid, but that is on us.

Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God; He is the exact representation of the Most High (from Colossians 1:15 and Hebrews 1:3). He is the Word of God and the Way, Truth, and the Life (John 1 and John 14:6). He is the One who has all the authority on Earth (Mathew 28:18). He will make all things right when He comes again!

So, we can have confidence to draw near to Jesus, and know He will draw near to us. These lyrics below are quoted from a Rebecca St. James song called “Omega” and also the Jude Doxology.

“May the love of our Lord be with you
Now and always may you stay
Blameless till he comes

Love mixed with faith be yours
From God the Father
And from the Master
Jesus Christ
And now unto Him
Who is able to you from falling
And present you faultless before
The presence of His glory
With exceeding joy
To the only wise God, Our Saviour
Be glory and majesty
Dominion and power
Both now and forever…
Amen”

No matter what, Jesus is still the King. No matter who wins an election, He still reigns over all. (Please make sure to vote!!) No matter how you score on a test or performance evaluation, His promises will stand. No matter what is on your agenda today, His plan and purpose remains. No matter what someone says about you, your identity is in Him, and He is Truth. Jesus is our Victory, and our Hope is in Him!

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God, You are so good. Thanks for being in control so I can rest in You. Only You are Worthy! Help me trust You and remember I don’t have to be afraid. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How do you build yourself up in the Lord? What do you do when you are nervous or afraid… bring it all to Jesus or try to handle it on your own?

Task: Listen to this song and let it be your anthem today!