Cheer Up

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:15-23 ESV)

Remember when we talked about our identity as sons and daughters in the sermon, New Story, a few weeks ago? In Christ, we are Blessed, Adopted, Redeemed, Forgiven, Inheritors and Sealed with the Holy Spirit. And, on top of that, God invites us into His peace! In light of this truth, we are able to be the most loving, trusting, forgiving, humble and peace-filled individuals.

But despite this reality, most Christians are often the ones who are most easily worried, annoyed and irritated; described often as too serious and too self-absorbed.

Seriousness can also be described as heaviness: a sign of worrying and not fully trusting God and His Word. While being self-absorbed keeps us from enjoying God, His provision and His life. The unintended result of our seriousness and self-absorption is unattractive fruit.  When we are called to help others “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8), we often display an image of rotting fruit.

So why do we fret? What is the root of our worry?

We believe in the resurrection of Jesus and His eventual return, but we often forget the Reign of Christ. Meaning, we often forget that Jesus reigns in the past, present, and future.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV)

Julian of Norwich describes God like this:

“Completely relaxed and courteous, He (God) was Himself the happiness and peace of his dear friends, His beautiful face radiating measureless love like a marvelous symphony.”

When we trust and know that Christ reigns, we can stop fretting. We can be completely relaxed and in His peace.

So, let’s cheer up.

Because of God, because of all the great things He has done and is doing, we can be thankful. The question shouldn’t be, “What are you going through?” but rather, “What are you thankful for?”

When we go through hardships, we have the opportunity to stay in thanksgiving and praise. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit.” (1 Thess. 5:16-19 NIV).

Next, let’s stop beating ourselves up and instead, let’s encourage ourselves in the Lord. Let’s cheer in.

“…Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

— Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

Finally, let’s cheer out. When we fret, stay serious and self-absorbed, we are so preoccupied with our own selves, that we aren’t able to think of others with Christ’s love.

Trust God’s leadership in you, and stop self-critiquing your “performance.” Learn to laugh at yourself. Ethel Barrymore says it like this, “You grow up the day you have the first real laugh at yourself.”

In the Gospel of John, Jesus says to be of good cheer: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NKJV)

Let’s trust in the Lord. He has not only resurrected and defeated death, but He also reigns now and forevermore. Let’s live in peace and be of good cheer.

Pray this prayer with us:

King Jesus, You defeated Death,

So I will rejoice in Your victory. 

King Jesus, You reign now and forevermore, 

So I will wear garments of praise and a smile on my lips. 

King Jesus, You will return again, 

So I will rest in Your promises.

—

King Jesus, there is joy in Your presence,

So I will go where You lead me, 

and I will stay where You are. 

Amen.

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You can listen to the sermon Cheer Up from the Ephesians series that inspired this post here.