After Amanda was severely injured in the December 2 incident, some members of the Pro Deo choir made a video of themselves singing “When We All Get to Heaven” to encourage Amanda. Click on the link below to watch the video, and be sure to subscribe to the Peace for the Storm YouTube channel!
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus Sing His mercy and His grace In the mansions bright and blessed He’ll prepare for us a place
When we all get to heaven What a day of rejoicing that will be When we all see Jesus We’ll sing and shout the victory
While we walk the pilgrim pathway
Clouds will overspread the sky But when travelling days are over
Not a shadow, not a sigh
Let us then be true and faithful
Trusting, serving every day
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay!
Onward to the prize before us
Soon His beauty we’ll behold
Soon the pearly gates will open
We shall tread the streets of gold
“Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”
— Joel 2:12 (NKJV) —
I love the first part of this verse, but at first glance the second part may seem a little confusing. Why does Joel say we should approach the Lord with weeping and mourning? It seems like we are being told to be sad and depressed, but that isn’t what this verse really means. I read the chapter in context (which I encourage you to do as well) and it definitely makes sense. This verse also reminded me of the commentary I read on the Beatitude Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted (Matthew 5:4) in the book Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing. I think it is very fitting as well for understanding the second part of Joel 2:12.
The mourning here brought to view is true heart sorrow for sin. Jesus says, “I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.” John 12:32. And as one is drawn to behold Jesus uplifted on the cross, he discerns the sinfulness of humanity. He sees that it is sin which scourged and crucified the Lord of glory. He sees that, while he has been loved with unspeakable tenderness, his life has been a continual scene of ingratitude and rebellion. He has forsaken his best Friend and abused heaven’s most precious gift. He has crucified to himself the Son of God afresh and pierced anew that bleeding and stricken heart. He is separated from God by a gulf of sin that is broad and black and deep, and he mourns in brokenness of heart. Such mourning “shall be comforted.” God reveals to us our guilt that we may flee to Christ, and through Him be set free from the bondage of sin, and rejoice in the liberty of the sons of God. In true contrition we may come to the foot of the cross, and there leave our burdens. Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, pages 9-10.
Far from meaning being sad or depressed, the mourning in Joel 2:12 means true repentance for sin. We aren’t supposed to remain perpetually in “brokenness of heart” for our sins, but rather be set free by Jesus! Isn’t it encouraging to know that we can leave ALL our sins at the foot of the cross? Jesus will forgive our sins when we turn to Him with all our heart. What an amazing thought! Jesus loves us so much, and through Him and Him alone we can enjoy true peace and joy.
God never changes! His promises and commandments are sure. We can always depend on Him, no matter life’s circumstances. And we can trust in His word because it stands forever. Praise the Lord for His steadfastness and love!
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.
Jesus Christ is all-powerful, and through His strength we can be more than conquerors! Whatever you may be going through today, claim His promises and call upon Him in prayer! He will give you strength.
Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength.
We’ve been having fun watching the Olympics on TV! The determination of the athletes is amazing, and reminds us of what Paul wrote in Philippians. Do we have that singular focus to reach our spiritual goals?
I am particularly touched when an athlete gives credit to Jesus for his or her success and athletic ability. David Boudia and Steele Johnson won the silver medal in men’s synchronized platform diving, and what they said afterwards was impactful.
“There’s been an enormous amount of pressure. I’ve felt it,” said David. “It’s just an identity crisis. When my mind is on this [diving], and I’m thinking I’m defined by this, then my mind goes crazy. But we both know that our identity is in Christ, and we’re thankful for this opportunity to be able to dive in front of Brazil and in front of the United States. It’s been an absolutely thrilling moment for us.”
Steele went on to say, “The way David just described it was flawless – the fact that I was going into this event knowing that my identity is rooted in Christ and not what the result of this competition is just gave me peace … and it let me enjoy the contest,” Johnson told NBC. “If something went great, I was happy. If something didn’t go great, I could still find joy because I’m at the Olympics competing with the best person, the best mentor – just one of the best people to be around. God’s given us a cool opportunity, and I’m glad I could come away with an Olympic silver medal in my first-ever event.”
Our identity is rooted in Christ. Not in what we do for a career, not what has happened to us, not any of the things that the world tells us our identify should be rooted in. Our identity is rooted in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Let’s all determine today to have a stronger relationship with Christ, to daily seek His will in our lives, and to press toward the goal of heaven!
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
