Reality of Great Joy

The very first reality television show is considered to be "Candid Camera," which premiered in 1948. You may recall, a hidden camera recorded the reactions of ordinary and unsuspecting people to pranks and practical jokes. Perhaps what made the show so popular and funny was how we could relate to those reactions. When reading the Book of Psalms, it's impossible to miss this reoccurring theme: life is difficult. Numerous psalms begin with this confirmation of reality: "Save me and rescue me" (7:1) ... "Save and help and rescue, LORD" (12:1) ... "Keep and protect me, O God" (16:1) ... "To You I call, O LORD" (28:1) ... "Have mercy on me, O God" (51:1). Regardless of how cleverly and strategically we work to manage our lives ... hard happens! There is a grave misunderstanding of the Believer's battle in life, and Paul addresses this: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12 NASB). The ancient military general Sun Tzu said "know thy enemy" - know your opponent and his strategy for victory. The soul's enemy (Satan) is keenly interested in working through circumstances and relationships to lead God's people to spiritual demise - discouragement, anxiety, fear, anger, depression, weariness, etc. The second reality presented in the Book of Psalms is that ... God is good! "You have put joy in my heart ... In peace [and with a tranquil heart] I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety and confident trust." (Psalm 4:7-9 AMP). Unlike "Candid Camera," the life-is-hard reality is no laughing matter. Praise be to the LORD of all life, the certain reality that God is eternally attentive and faithful and good to those who love and persevere in Christ is a ... reality of great joy!