Happiness Reflection Guide – September 24, 2019
Tuesday
Read: Hebrews 11:1-6
“1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. 4 By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. 5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (NIV Hebrews 11:1-6)
Study: Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see.” This can be challenging for people today, especially if we have a “show-me” approach to life. But as we read the chapter’s list of those who have lived by faith (read beyond verse 6 if you have time), we begin to see that that kind of faith is a key to living a genuinely blessed life. Think about beautiful sights or loving relationships you’ve had. Can you “prove” beauty or love to another person? Scholar Leon Morris noted, “There are realities for which we have no material evidence, though they are not less real for that. Faith enables us to know that they exist.” What are one or two intangible realities that enrich your life? Comfort and ease are not central to the blessed life, contrary to what our world often says. Hebrews 11’s first readers faced hatred, and possibly death but they still remained hopeful and happy. How does your faith allow you to remain hopeful and find joy even when you struggle?
Prayer: Lord, even when I cant explain your love and mystery, I know you are there and know you watch over me. Help me to live into the joy you have for me. Amen.