Jesus Makes Life Good – Even In Tough Times

 

I’m sure you’ve heard the short quote – “life is good.” In fact, I even have a yellow T-shirt with that quote on it. When times are good, it’s easy to believe this is true. However, when times get tough, it takes resolve to fully believe Jesus makes life good.

But! He does make life good. In today’s content, we’ll explore how this is true no matter what happens in your life. Naturally, this content gives you a boost into living well this New Year.

Jesus Makes Life Good

I remember as a young adult thinking – eventually, I’d figure out how life works. Well, several decades have passed. Honestly, I did figure some things out. However, there is so much I still don’t know or understand.

Regardless, I’ve learned some critical perspectives that really help – especially in tough times.

So, let’s get into today’s material.

Perspective Shifts With Time

Life is different than you assume when you’re younger. Interestingly, perspective shifts with time. Remarkably, and so true – blessed is the person who realizes God’s ways are worth going after by faith. Essentially, the person who chooses to trust God, especially in hard times, is the person who also discovers life is good. Essentially, they have tapped into the very treasures of Scripture.

Did you know – every risk you take with God brings high yield? Truly, every promise you claim, each command you obey, all God’s precepts you adopt as your own – each takes you into timeless perspective. And this changes your life.

Incidentally, this is the one critical piece that has made all the difference in my life (and brought the greatest gain). Jesus is everything He claims.

Further, it has become my absolute conviction – even through suffering and difficulties – that Jesus is absolutely worth going after. Matter of fact, Jesus is the very prize of life!

Helpful Scriptures

Jn. 17:3 says, “And this is eternal life, that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (ESV) Isn’t that interesting?

Another translation says, “Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” (NIV)

Did you catch the truth in each translation? “This is eternal life: that they know You.” I remember how this phrase hammered into my soul when I first read it decades ago. Amazingly, if you have Jesus, you automatically have eternal life. Afterall, He, Himself, is your eternal life.

Conclusively, even though everything else may shuffle and change over the years – 

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Heb. 13:8)

And that’s very comforting!

Jesus Makes Life Good With Abundant Life

The following seven points help bring purpose and forward energy into your life. Of course, you must believe these points and act on them.

1. To have Christ is to have abundant life. Jesus brings value to life. Additionally, He is the “connect-point” to God. Essentially, to share daily life with Christ is the joy of being alive. You’re never wrong when you pattern your life after Christ’s life. Matter of fact, it’s such a good investment. Jesus cares deeply about you. 

Jesus makes life good.

2. Thankfully, leaning into Christ guides your heart into reality, even when nothing else makes sense. The more you walk with Jesus and enjoy Him, the more life becomes an endless journey of discoveries. Jesus brings adventure to each day.

Jesus makes life good.

 

3. Jesus Christ loves you so much. In great wisdom, He called you to Himself and gave you purpose and value. You could say Jesus “took hold” of you. Each day as you go into tomorrow, you find He is already there. Your life is not coincidental nor an accident. Rather, you are God’s dear partner. He completes you. Truly, there is no greater friend.

Jesus makes life good.

 

4. The scorch of life is painful and threatens your heart. Consequently, you meet this scorch by going after Jesus with all your passion. Jesus heals your inner heart continually – even when this broken life tramples it.

Ex. 15:26 says, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.“

Remarkably, Jesus intends that you have influence during your lifetime. He is blessing others through your life – and your sufferings.

Jesus makes life good.

 

5. To hold onto Christ means – to let go of other things and people. Also, let go of hurts and sorrows. Further, leave mistakes and injustices in the past. Simply walk away from it all and into the great heart of God. Here, there is deep love, comfort, and God’s eternal life that washes over you.

Jesus makes life good.

6. Start each day as fresh and new. Simply, let the past slip off and pursue living close to God. You have control over what you go after. “Leave the irreparable Past in His hands, and step out into the irresistible Future with Him.” (Oswald Chambers) Read it again! “Leave the irreparable Past in His hands, and step out into the irresistible Future with Him.”

Press on toward the goal. Win the prize – Jesus.

Jesus makes life good.

 

7. A new year. A new season. I can’t think of a better way to begin a new year – or a “new anything” – than to do it with Jesus. He gives you new opportunities and a new start.

Jesus makes life good.

 

Before we get to the application thoughts and questions, I want to leave you with the awesome Scripture we started with in this content. The same verse in two different translations.

Jn. 17:3 says, “And this is eternal life, that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (ESV)

The other translation says, “Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” (NIV)

So, remember: “This is eternal life: that they know You.” Go after God with everything you have in your heart this next year. And He will reward your life. It’s critical to keep in mind that Jesus is the “Pearl of Great Price.” He loves you. And He wants to be found! So again, go after Him each day with child-like faith. Follow Him with child-like eagerness. Seek Him with child-like hope. And He will make Himself known to you. 

Application Thoughts And Questions

Scripture counsels to leave the past and go forward into the future. With this optimistic perspective, you can live an Alive and Active life.

1. Have you given your past to God – and do you trust Him with your future?
2. Does your heart need healing?
3. Is your passion to have more of Christ and to please Him?
4. What will you do today to explore God’s purposes for your life? Essentially, through these seven points we went through in detail in this content –
   1. 1. Jesus cares deeply for you.
      2. He brings adventure to each day.
      3. There is no greater friend.
      4. He blesses others through your life – and through your sufferings.
      5. God’s love, comfort, and His very life washes over you. So, come close to Him.
      6. Jesus is your prize. Press on!
      7. He gives you new opportunities and a new start.
5. What changes do you need to make?
6. Have you discovered Jesus makes life good?
7. Finally, why not accomplish all God had in mind when He created your life?

 

* Portions of this content come from my book – More e-Pistles For An i-Generation: Relevant In A Digital Age – a devotional book that takes you through all Paul’s letters that follow 1 and 2 Corinthians. You’ll find practical action points that help you know God better and nurture personal growth. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.

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