Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, Lord. Psalm 4:6 NLT
Their good times certainly didn’t appear good.
“Good Times” was an American sitcom that aired from 1974 to 1979. The show portrayed the lives of Florida and James Evans and their three children, all trying to survive life. The show’s name is ironic because their lives were anything but good.
James struggled to keep a job and bring in enough money to pay the bills. Florida was a stay-at-home Mom. One catastrophe after another hit the family, and they always wondered where the money was going to come from to meet the need. But Florida was a woman of faith and led by example, teaching the family to depend on God to meet their needs.
In spite of their rough times, the Evans’ family was normally happy. They took each challenge in stride and believed they were living the good times—even though others might question their definition of good.
The pagan worship that surrounded the nation of Israel promised a better time than sticking to worshiping one God, as Israel did. But they couldn’t deliver on the promise. Only the true God could show anyone good times.
A prevailing attitude for dissing Christianity is that you can’t be a Christian and have a good time. God has too many rules and regulations. How could anyone have a good time while trying to obey a bunch of rules?
But God’s rules are not designed to make life miserable, and don’t when seen in the proper light and obeyed for the right reason. His rules are given to make life better, not bitter.
The Evans’ family discovered true joy comes from the inside and isn’t determined by outward circumstances. God wants me to learn the same lesson. Happiness may depend on circumstances or possessions, but joy is steadfast because of Whom I’m connected to.
Christians can have a good time. I’ve seen them do it numerous times during my lifetime—and I myself enjoy life. The inward joy comes from knowing all is well between me and my Creator. The joy of forgiveness makes for good times. The joy of knowing God is with me through all things helps me endure and overcome discouragement, disappointments, and depression.
God is a God of good times—ones that are permanent and don’t depend on my or anyone else’s fickle nature. Don’t miss out on serving this good time God.
Tweetable: Are you enjoying God's good times?
Prayer: Father, we thank You for offering us abundant good times when we love You with all of our hearts.
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