The Joy of Treasuring Jesus
Let me state from the beginning that I have much to learn, much room to grow, in my own understanding and experience of the joy of treasuring Jesus. Having made this reality known at the onset, I will try to briefly describe why I believe that the purest, most enduring joy that we can experience in this life, can only be experienced to the extent that its base is in the treasuring of the supreme love, forgiveness, and hope found only in Christ. For believers, our focus ought to always be on living our lives in light of our knowledge of the person of Christ and the promise we have in Him, the promise found in Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Knowing that God has not and will never abandon any who trust in Him, gives believers assurance, even during the uncertain or particularly troubling seasons of life, that we can endure by faith in Him. Too often, Christians as well as non-believers misappropriate their energy in an attempt to know “everything” there is to know about God, life, and life after death. By nature it seems that humans desire knowledge, and if we think that our knowledge is somehow incomplete we begin to become anxious or have doubts about the knowledge that we have already been granted by God. Having experienced this anxiety and doubt myself at many times, I have come to the conclusion that the only means of relief is learning how to be content with and apply the knowledge of God that we have at any given time, while at the same time seeking to, by God’s grace, continue to grow in our knowledge of and love for God. I’ve learned from experience that the surest way for believers to grow in our knowledge of God is to grow in our understanding of the Love of God as so clearly displayed in the person of Christ. Non-believers may begin their quest for knowledge of God apart from Christ, thinking that God is merely some sort of higher power, a supreme overseer who can be fashioned to their liking. They see no need for grace, no need for Christ, and view the beauty of the cross as unnecessary folly. I am not harshly judging those who currently have this or a similar view of God and Christ. Rather, I am reminded that I too was once struggling with similar thoughts, and that, if not for the regenerative work of the Spirit of God in my life, I would still be at enmity against God. As I write this, I’m reminded of the beauty of God’s grace. If you are a believer, I encourage you to remind yourself today, and each day for all eternity, of the wonderful and sovereign work of grace that God has wrought in your soul to bring you to Himself. Stand in awe, be amazed, and seek to do all that you do for His glory and renown. If you are not a believer, I pray that the regenerative work of the Spirit of God would irresistibly draw you to God, giving you a clear view of the reality of your sin against God and your need for the Savior (Christ). Please know that you can never earn the forgiveness of God and let this reality be a comfort to your soul. Fully trust in His redemptive plan, knowing that He alone can make all things new.
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