Good News!

A Christian counselor once told me, “Debbie, you need to hear The Good News.” What else could she have said after I’d dumped all my emotional slop into her lap? “Debbie, you’re a mess.” That obvious, huh?  “Debbie, you need to knuckle down and persevere.” Okay. That’s helpful. I was already up to my eyeballs in sorrows and trials on my journey down the straight and narrow.

Her words couldn’t have been more accurate. Or more timely! I needed to hear some good news for a change.

. . . behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10–11

Yes, there are sorrows in this world. Trials and tribulations will assuredly increase. But we can be of good cheer. There is Good News that outdoes, outshines, overshadows, outranks, and outweighs the heap of bad news this ol’ broken down world throws at us. It will bring great joy to all who take it to heart.[i] 

A child is born. A son is given. To us. For us. God so loved the world He gave His Son, wrapped in human flesh.[ii] This Son of Man/Son of God demonstrated God’s love and mercy.[iii]Jesus destroyed the works of the devil, satisfied divine justice, and reconciled us to Himself through the forgiveness of sins. [iv] He overcame this turbulent world of ours so we too can overcome through Him.[v] Jesus is God’s greatest gift to humanity!

Are you lost? Jesus will lead and guide you into all truth. Is anyone sick? He is the great physician. Weighed down? My yoke is easy; My burden is light. Tired and weak? He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.[vi]

Have you been accused? It’s God who justifies. Condemned? There’s no condemnation in Christ. Has something kept you bound? He’s our great deliverer.[vii]

Are you surrounded by enemies? He gives His angels charge over you. And let’s not forget fear. Jesus delivers us from all of our fears.[viii]

Has someone rejected you? You are accepted in the beloved. Are you in need? God supplies all of our needs.[ix]

Is your heart broken? He heals broken hearts. Are you faint of heart? He gives courage. Need a friend? He’s a friend that sticks closer than a brother.[x]

Jesus gives sight to the blind, sleep to His beloved, light in the darkness. He’s the anchor that holds in storms, our Prince of Peace in chaos. If our foot slips, He gives us hinds feet in high places. If in need of advice, He is the Counselor. He’s our help in times of trouble, our hiding place in the face of danger.[xi]

Shall I continue?

Jesus is hope to the hopeless, wisdom to those who ask for it.

Need direction? He is the way.

Ashamed? He’s the glory and lifter up of our heads.[xii]

Have you been overlooked? His eye is on those who fear him. Feel anxious? He quiets you with His love. Forsaken? I will never leave you or forsake you.[xiii]

Do you need more incentive to keep moving forward? Jesus is our great reward.[xiv]

I'll just stop right there and say, “Now that’s what I call Bonafide Good News!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! God bless you richly this holiday season.

Photo by Vitaly Garlev on Unsplash

[i] 2 Timothy 3:1; John 16:33; Luke 2:10–11

[ii] Isaiah 9:6; John 3:16; John 1:14

[iii]John 1:51; Luke 12:8;  Mark 14:61–62; Romans 5:8

[iv] 1 John 3:8; Colossians 2:15; Isaiah 53:5–6; John 1:29; John 12:32

[v] John 16:25–33

[vi] Luke 15:20; John 15:4; Mark 2:17;  James 5:14; Matthew 4:23–24; Luke 5:31–32; Matthew 11:4–5; Matthew 11:28–30; Isaiah 40:29–31

[vii] Romans 8:33–34; Romans 8:1; Galatians 1:4; Psalm 62:1–2; Luke 4:18-19

[viii] Psalm 91:11–12; Psalm 34:4; Isaiah 41:10; 1 John 4:4

[ix] Ephesians 1:5–7; Philippians 4:19; Psalm 103:5

[x] Psalm 147:3; Isaiah 61:1; 2 Timothy 1:7; Joshua 1:9; Proverbs 18:24; Matthew 28:20

[xi] Isaiah 42:7–9;Isaiah 35:5; Psalm 127:2; 2 Corinthians 4:6; John 8:12; Romans 15:13; Hebrews 6:19–20; Isaiah 9:6; Habakkuk 3:19; Psalm 18:33; Isaiah 9:6;Psalm 46:1–5; Psalm 32:7; Psalm 91:1; Psalm 31:20

[xii] Romans 15:13; Jeremiah 29:11; James 1:5; 1 Corinthians 1:24; John 14:6; Psalm 3:3

[xiii] Psalm 33:18; Zephaniah 3:17; Hebrews 13:5; Deuteronomy 31:6

[xiv] Philippians 3:8; Matthew 25:34; James 1:12; John 17:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Psalm 16:11; Revelation 21:4