Be of Good Cheer!
We live in challenging times, do we not? Perhaps, many might think “challenging” is a bit of an understatement. Truth seems to be such a rare commodity. We do not trust our government, the media, even one another. There is little in the way of civil debate over social or political issues. Rather, harsh condemnation marked by vitriolic speech seems to be the path most followed. Evil is called good and righteousness is increasingly condemned. Furthermore, the economy has grown oppressive. We work more and take home less, struggling to eke out a living. If what we watch on the evening news were all that we knew, we would indeed be most miserable. But there is hope. I want to share five reasons to be of good cheer reasons that are not contingent on anything this world provides.
The first and foremost of these reasons is our salvation is permanent. When Christ was ministering in Capernaum, “they brought unto him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins are forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2; emphasis added). The man perceived his need to be physical; Christ saw his real need as spiritual (though the Lord healed him completely). We, too, often fail to see our real needs and, consequently, look for remedies that are short-sighted and miss the mark. His physical need was temporary, i.e. this life only, but the forgiveness of sins transcends this life unto life eternal. The forgiveness of sins is ours to enjoy regardless of our circumstances. Do you know the forgiveness of your sins?
A second reason to be of good cheer is that our Savior is present. After feeding a great multitude (five thousand men plus women and children), Christ sent his disciples by boat across the sea of Galilee while he spent time in prayer. During that trip a great storm arose and threatened their very lives. As they struggled to bring the ship to shore, “Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea…and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid” (Matthew 14:22-26; emphasis added). This storm became a threat even though they were in the will of God (remember, he had instructed them to go across the sea). In spite of the peril, Christ was present with them! Likewise, we are never alone in the storms of life. Furthermore, Peter was moved to step out of the boat and walk on the sea toward Jesus. He was able to move out of his comfort zone and do something beyond his ability by the presence of Christ. We, too, can achieve beyond our own capability by his presence for his presence is provision enough. What is the Lord urging you to do that is in your mind beyond your own reach?
The Lord is our sustaining peace provides a third reason to be of good cheer. In the upper room immediately prior to his crucifixion, the Lord told his disciples “A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father” (John 16:16). Later, in that same discourse, he told them they would be scattered and that in the world they would have tribulation. Nevertheless, he told them “be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:32-33; emphasis added). His departure to the Father resulted in the coming of the Spirit to dwell permanently within every believer. His indwelling made possible a communion with the Father sustained by a new prayer dynamic not possible prior to the Lord’s departure. “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24). The world brings turmoil; communion with the Father through Christ brings lasting peace. Are you abiding in Christ? Do you know that peace?
Another reason to be of good cheer may not seem so obvious as those mentioned already. The Scriptures teach us that our service potential is a reason to be of good cheer. Paul’s preaching of the resurrection in Jerusalem resulted in great dissension among his audience. As a result, Paul was taken prisoner by the Roman soldiers to safeguard him and bring order to the tumult. But “the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome” (Acts 23:11; emphasis added). Christ had work for Paul to do, work that was not subject to life’s circumstances for our Lord is the God of circumstances. The fact that we as believers are still here (and not in heaven) testifies that the Lord has a work for each one of us. We should pursue that labor and trust in him for the necessary enabling or provision in the midst of our circumstances. Are you working for the Lord or has this world’s troubles hindered your pursuit?
Finally, the fifth reason to be of good cheer is the Scriptures’ power. When Paul was taken prisoner in Jerusalem, he exercised his right as a Roman citizen and appealed to be tried before Caesar. Accompanied by a Roman guard, he embarked on the long boat ride from Jerusalem to Rome. While at sea a severe storm arose. The safety of the ship and all those aboard was threatened. After many days of duress, “all hope that we should be saved was taken away” (Acts 27:20). Nevertheless, the angel of God stood by Paul that night saying, “Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar; and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.” Encouraged, Paul told those on board with him, “be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me” (Acts 27:23-25; emphasis added). The Scriptures record that all 276 souls reached shore safely even though the ship was destroyed. There are many promises in God’s word we can claim as Paul did. None of them can ever fail. Rest your soul in the promises of God and be of good cheer!
Randy Livingston serves as a chaplain for a local police department. He writes devotionals for his ministry which also appear at his blog, From the Chaplain. We republish this post by permission.