The scripture tells us that without a vision the people perish (Proverbs 29:18). This scripture also states that those who keep the law are happy. We know that no one except Jesus could keep the law, therefore, this scripture is referring to those whose heart’s desire is to please God.
Many people think that serving God is boring and much too restrictive. The fact is, in my experience, serving God is certainly not boring. Living a life where things happen that cannot be explained in the natural, is exciting. Having the confidence that major decisions are right because they have been confirmed by God leads to less stress and uncertainty.
There are many promises found in the bible that are for all those who have the faith to believe for them. There are also personal promises that the Lord makes to us on an individual basis. I am usually a positive person, but recently I found myself feeling that I just wanted to not have to continue to fight spiritual battles here, and just be with the Lord. I wondered what had brought about the change in my outlook. Then I realized that I was, first of all, not feeling grateful for all my blessings. I was also not focused on the promises God had made me regarding things that would happen in my future. Things that were worth looking forward to. The devil’s greatest weapon is discouragement.
Proverbs 13:12 “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.” In other words, sometimes we can lose sight of what God has in store for us. Many times, the promises God makes to us seem to take a long time to materialize. We need to never lose sight of them as they give us something to look forward to no matter what is happening in the present. Peter began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the circumstances around him. Sarah lost patience waiting for the child God had promised her and decided to take matters into her own hands. The consequences of her actions are still being felt today.
It did not take long for me to feel the joy of the Lord again. That joy that is not based on circumstances but is shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. As I began thanking God for all He has done for me and focused once more on all that He has promised to do for me, my joy returned.
Today, it is more important than ever to have a positive and faith-filled outlook on life. After all, we have the creator and sustainer of the universe on our side.