December 20, 2022 – Reflection on “Joy in Faithfulness!”

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11.

         His Presence became known first by the lowly shepherds: And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” Luke 2:8-14.

         The Presence of the Lord brings rest, as Moses learned. Now therefore, if I have found favor in Your sight, please show me now Your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in Your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” And He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:13-14. This is the promise from God in His Faithfulness to the Children of Israel.

         What motivates Faithfulness? Love! See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. 

Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is. I John 3:1-2.

         There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because He first loved us. I John 4:18-19.

         Dad always read Luke 2 for our Christmas story, and we sang, Away in the Manger. Then I read these lyrics, Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask You to stay, Close by me forever, And love me, I pray. I never noticed the prayer in this Children’s Christmas song. A lifetime of growing in Christ helps my understanding and faith grow in our Lord Jesus Christ. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. I Corinthians 13:11. Growing up in life, there are so many things to learn about Jesus. In the depth of these things, there is so much more to learn about Jesus who said, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.

         Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8. We can depend on Jesus, for He never changes. He is faithful.

         We were created by God in His Image. We belong to Him and He is our God. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. I Peter 1:8-9. These verses astound me with the joy of the Fruit of the Spirit. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23.Living with these attributes in our lives, we reflect our Lord Jesus Christ, and we learn to Love like Him. Our lives become His in every way. And we will know The Joy of Faithfulness in every aspect of our lives. Others will trust us for truth and standing firm.

         “I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. For I said, ‘Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens, you will establish your faithfulness.’” Psalm 89:1-2.

         All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. Psalm 25:10.

         Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7.

         The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm18:2.

         Truly, there is JOY in FAITHFULNESS to our LORD! And we celebrate His Birthday and know the Joy of His Sacrifice for us and His Resurrection!