Cling Tenaciously

"My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me."

Psalm 63:8

All through the winter, one lone leaf has clung to my lilac bush. Through harsh winds and heavy snow it has held fast to the branch, refusing to let go. That tiny leaf reminds me of how we must tenaciously cling to God during the bitter cold and howling wind of life's trials. If we let go, we will surely be tossed about in fear and doubt. But if we hold tight to the One who knows every breath we take, every hair on our head, we will see His faithfulness to bring us peace and joy even in the worst conditions. God is compassionate and full of mercy. He gives grace to all who cling to Him. He holds them up and keeps them close to His heart. May our souls cling tenaciously to Him.

Complete Joy

"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full."

John 15:11

For the Christian, joy is not dependent upon happenings, but rather on the ongoing relationship he or she has with Christ. Jesus explained to His disciples that joy comes to those who abide -- or remain -- in Him. In John 15:1-8 Jesus says repeatedly "Abide in Me." Abide in Me to bear fruit and glorify the Father. Abide in Me so that your prayers will be in line with My will and, therefore, will be answered. Then in v. 9 Jesus says, "Abide in my love." He likened His love for His disciples and us to the love the Father has for Him (that love is rendered "dearly loved").  In v. 10 He says, "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." What commandments is He talking about? "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you" (John 15:12). And how has Christ loved us? So much that He gave His life for us (v 13).  Jesus says to us, "I dearly love you. I gave my life for you. Remain in Me, stay close to Me, let me show you how to love others as I love you, and your joy -- not matter what the circumstances -- will be made full." This is complete joy.

Let God Do It

"Thus Samuel grew and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fail."

1 Samuel 3:19

Here is the secret to Samuel's success: the Lord was with him and made sure Samuel's prophetic words did not fail. The Lord kept Samuel's words from being useless. He  caused Samuel's words to be fruitful; to accomplish His purpose. Believers can be like Samuel. God is with us and wants to work through us. I want my words -- especially those that speak of Him -- to mean something and not be idle words that fall by the wayside. Don't you want that too? The Lord gives wisdom and understanding, and will cause our words to be meaningful and true if we abide in Christ. "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15:4-5) We can bear fruit, our words can glorify Christ and accomplish His purpose. We only need to abide in Him and let Him do the rest.