Have you ever seen, done, or read something so many times that you know it? You can quote it. You can see it in your mind. My kids are great at quoting movie lines verbatim. You know….you KNOW it!!! Line for line.
A couple of weeks ago I sat down to watch my favorite movie again: It’s A Wonderful Life. Without exaggeration I can say I’ve seen it at least 50 times. I can quote lines, sing the songs, and I never get tired of it or of it’s message. Yet this year as I sat on the couch watching the opening scene again I was unprepared for the moment that it hit differently than it ever has before.
Now, for the record, I don’t believe every premise in this movie is Biblically sound or based, but overall it hits the mark. The movie opens with prayers being lifted toward heaven by people who know and love a man named George Bailey. Enter the angel named Joseph who brings this to God’s attention (as if He wouldn’t know). God then sends for another angel named Clarence who will be sent to earth to intervene on George’s behalf. This conversation between Clarence and God is what stopped me in my seat and has been on my mind for a few weeks now:
“You sent for me sir?”
“Yes Clarence. A man down on earth needs our help.”
“Splendid, is he sick?”
“No. Worse. He’s discouraged. At exactly 10:45 pm earth time that man will be thinking seriously of throwing away God’s greatest gift.”
“Oh dear, dear. His life.”
As I’ve rehearsed the themes of 2022 it seems to me that for many it has involved discouragement. In one form or many as I look around I could give instance after instance of those I’ve watched from near and far who’ve been impacted. I am one myself. It has not been an easy year for me in spirit, mind, or body. I know I’m not alone. Many, many times I’ve had to force my focus from what I can see/feel/taste/touch to the truth of God’s Word: my hope. Then I look around and I’m saddened by all the other downcast faces. And what of those who do not share my hope. What about those who are quite literally hopeless without God.
I believe God’s greatest gift to us is not our lives, as the movie suggests, but that of the life of Jesus. God’s greatest gift to us is His Son-who in exchange for His life bought ours. So that also speaks volumes as to the value He does place on our lives. We are worth quite a bit to Him. We have a role to play on this planet and it’s not just moping around from day to day without hopes, dreams, or living the full lives He desires for us.
To the world at large this may seem out of touch with reality. This spiritual stuff may seem unattainable or meaningless in the realm of our daily lives. It may seem hard to understand how a life lived, died, and then risen two thousand years ago could give us any sense of personal hope today.
I’ve spent quite a bit of time digging into three chapters of the Bible…yes, and there are so many more. Ephesians chapters 1-3 paint a pretty clear version of how this exchange works and what it means for us. I really like reading it in different versions as each adds a different dimension to the layers.
These passages tell us that God traded us His Son in death, so that we could have life. When we walked in the ways of the rest of the world (whatever sin you can think of….you name it-we all are guilty (Romans 3:23)) He chose to give us mercy. Even when we were dead in sin without any hope whatever He gave us life in Christ through the simple act of us trusting Him, believing Him, having what is called faith.
So how then, for those who have already received this gift of promise is it possible to be discouraged? I’ve had to do some soul searching here because if I really believe all that even just these three chapters have to say…if I believe they are true for me…that God is not a liar, then how can I lose? What place does doubt in any form have in my life if Ephesians 3:14-21 (especially verse 20!!!) are true?
For this reason [seeing the greatness of this plan by which you are built together in Christ], I bow my knees before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, For Whom every family in heaven and on earth is named [that Father from Whom all fatherhood takes its title and derives its name]. May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality]. May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]! Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]– To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).
Ephesians 3:14-21 AMPC
https://bible.com/bible/8/eph.3.14-21.AMPC
A song that has impacted me during the last quarter of the year is one called A Sound Mind, sung by Melissa Helser. Here are the lyrics:
In the chaos, You are the peace
In my suffering, You’re here with me
In the darkness, You never leave
God of Mercy, You’re walking with me
I surrender anxiety
All the striving has to cease
In this moment, You’re still the King
This is the gift You are giving to me
A sound mind for the spirit of fear
A sound mind so that I can see clearly
A sound mind, Your Spirit is here
A sound mind, a sound mind
There’s a table where we meet
In the presence of my enemies
I will listen, I will feast
On every word You are speaking to me
I remember who You are
You’re my fortress and my God
I will stand in authority
In Jesus’ name all this darkness will flee
A sound mind for the spirit of fear
A sound mind so that I can see clearly
A sound mind, Your Spirit is here
A sound mind, a sound mind
A sound mind for the spirit of fear
A sound mind so that I can see clearly
A sound mind, Your Spirit is here
A sound mind, a sound mind
A sound mind
You saved, healed, delivered me
Jesus’ blood wash over me
Command my soul awake, arise
Use each breath to prophesy
I prophesy
You saved, healed, delivered me
Jesus’ blood wash over me
Command my soul awake, arise
Use each breath to prophesy
I prophesy
You saved, healed, delivered me
Jesus’ blood wash over me
Command my soul awake, arise
Use each breath to prophesy
I prophesy
A sound mind for the spirit of fear
A sound mind so that I can see clearly
A sound mind, Your Spirit is here
A sound mind, a sound mind
A sound mind for the spirit of fear
A sound mind so that I can see clearly
A sound mind, Your Spirit is here
A sound mind, a sound mind
A sound mind, Jesus
A sound mind, a sound mind
A sound mind, a sound mind
A sound mind, a sound mind
A sound mind, a sound mind
This is my inheritance
A sound mind
This is my inheritance
A sound mind
This is my inheritance
What the blood of Jesus paid for
This is my inheritance
A sound mind
This is my inheritance
This is my inheritance
This is my inheritance
A sound mind
You saved, healed, delivered me
Jesus’ blood wash over me
Command my soul awake, arise
Use each breath to prophesy
I prophesy
You saved, healed, delivered me
Jesus’ blood wash over me
Command my soul awake, arise
Use each breath to prophesy
I prophesy
A sound mind (for the spirit of fear)
A sound mind (so that I can see clearly)
A sound mind (Your Spirit is here)
A sound mind (a sound mind)
A sound mind (for the spirit of fear)
A sound mind (so that I can see clearly)
A sound mind (Your Spirit is here)
A sound mind (a sound mind)
A sound mind, a sound mind
A sound mind, a sound mind
A sound mind
In this next year I believe we need to be able to see clearly every open door and gift God has freely given, as well as every trap our enemy the devil would like to set for us. Focusing on God will allow us to avoid the pitfalls. This year will be pivotal for many: a battle for their hope, joy, peace, patience, and mostly love; because the love God freely gave us the source of all of the above.
Ephesians 6:10-18 close out today’s post as encouragement:
In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. [Isa. 52:7.] Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God. Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).
Ephesians 6:10-18 AMPC
https://bible.com/bible/8/eph.6.10-18.AMPC
Happy Hope-filled New Year
creatingalovelyhome 