Gethsemane

Looking through the shadowy foliage of Gethsemane, we don't see the classic portrait of Christ, rendered by the artist. We don't see Him in a snow-white robe kneeling beside a big rock, hands peacefully folded, with a look of serenity in His face as a spotlight from heaven illuminates His golden-brown hair.

Instead, we see a man flat on his face, fists pounding the hard earth in agony. We see a fact stained with tears and dirt, hair matted with sweat, facial muscles contorted in pain like the gnarled, twisted olive trees looking on. God was never more human than at this hour.

Have you been in the dark garden of Gethsemane? Betrayed by a friend? Deserted by those around you? Felt abandoned? Lonely?

The next time you think no one cares, pay a visit to Gethsemane and see the man of sorrows. Because seeing God like this does wonders for your suffering.

Charles Swindoll
For Those Who Hurt

Consider it Joy

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds." James 1:2

What does this Bible verse tell you about our chances of running into trouble? James writes not “if” but “when” you face trials. They are inevitable. The words “many kinds” is rendered “various” in some translations. In the original, it’s the same word from which we get “polka dots”. He’s saying we are going to face trouble in all different shapes, sizes, colors and varieties. Life is dotted with trials. What does James say to do when our lives are filled with difficulties? Do we ignore our problems? No, we face our polka dot trials with outright joy because, as he goes on to tell us, "When you prove you believe, you become stronger."

Stephen Goforth