I was having a conversation with some folks the other day about how we, as humans, are prone to focus on things that detract from our joy in life. We could have a hundred good things happen in a day and one bad. Which would we perseverate over? The conversation reminded me of the parable of the lost sheep.
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”
So he told them this parable:
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’
Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
-Luke 15:1-7
The parable of the lost sheep speaks volumes about our tendency to hyperfocus on the things that are wrong in our lives, even when they are in the minority. This tendency often dominates our thoughts. Jesus taught this same principle through the parable of the lost coin as well.
“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’
Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
-Luke 15:8-10
As a pastor, I am often plagued with the loss of joy when there’s something (often someone) that my conscience is bothered about. Never is this more profoundly felt than when contemplating unbelief and, inevitably, Hell. While the Holy Spirit prompts me to address the situation with an open heart, seeking understanding and showing love, I mustn’t become overwhelmed. I’ve learned that while seeking that which has been lost, I mustn’t abandon my joy regarding all of the wonderful, good things which remain.
It is noble and righteous to seek to restore things lost; however, we must learn to rest and remember all of the blessings in our lives, beginning with our Lord’s love for us. Singing this truth is ointment for the soul.
A Song for the Sabbath.
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre.
For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.
-Psalm 92:1-4
Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Who can utter the mighty deeds of the LORD, or declare all his praise?
-Psalm 106:1-2
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
-Psalm 107:1-3
Do yourself a favor and bookmark Psalm 136 (after you read it in its entirety, of course). The recurring theme is, ‘the Lord’s steadfast love endures forever.’ We need to remember this and be thankful always lest we be trampled by our own sadness.
In America, we recently celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday. The Holy Spirit gave my congregation a special message from the pulpit. One of the principles presented was, “Every day we wake up we should thank Him for His undying love towards us, which carries on and on because of His perfect faithfulness towards His children. (Psalm 89:1-2, 103:17, 136:1-5).” The recurring principle taught was, “Happy Thanksgiving! To the degree we give thanks, that’s the degree to which we are happy.” We have so much to be thankful for. May the fact that unrighteousness persists in this world never rob us of our right, as children of God, to celebrate our so great salvation! Don’t forget to read Psalm 136 when you’re done reading this blog!
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-21
I think it’s easy to fall prey to our own sensitivities. Granted, it’s perfectly righteous to sympathize with others or, more generally, with anything that’s out of whack. However, we ought never abandon the love that is in us and turn cold. Jesus wasn’t cold and He is our prototype. We must, in earnest, remain “warm” towards that which ails this world we live in. This begins with spreading the Gospel, for every unbeliever is at enmity with the Lord, and by nature unrighteous. This is very sad indeed! Beyond the Gospel, our hearts must empathize with our brothers and sisters in Christ, seeking to restore them when they are living in sin (ala Galatians 6:1). A cold heart isn’t motivated to extend a helping hand in time of need. We never want to become merciless. Therefore, we must find a balance.
Balance comes from perspective. Perspective comes from the Word of God. Faith ensures we cling to our convictions.
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
-Romans 10:17
Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
-Hebrews 10:35-39
When you read Psalm 136 (yes, this is the third time I’ve encouraged you to do so – take the hint, please), go ahead and sing it, for that is what a psalm is, after all, a hymn! Sing a song of gratitude as God’s Word washes over your weary soul. Bask in gratitude for all the beauty and good God has bestowed on you in this life. Thank Him for saving you. Thank Him for sanctifying you. Thank Him for giving you faith, hope, and love – the greatest of these being love (1 Corinthians 13). Sing, my dear friend, even though – especially when – your heart is saddened by things lost, for there are so many things found to rejoice over!
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
-Philippians 4:4
Love in Christ,
Ed Collins