Cheer Up

The magic of a soft snowfall seems to cover us in a cozy peace.

Yet blizzard conditions of the same snow create panic.

Moments of calm enable us to smile, relax for a bit and practice "being," whereas the crises which swirl in us, around us and around the world

drive us into a snowbank of crazed chaos.

We can be frozen and numbed by the cold realities of life.

And finding or creating cheer when so much reminds us of the opposite

seems to be as likely as a quick thaw after a heavy winter storm.

"But be of good cheer."

In the snowstorm of illness, pain, struggle and hardship?

"But be of good cheer."

In the blinding blizzard of grief or shame?

"But be of good cheer."

In the frigid cold of despair, loss and tragedy?

How can we? And how dare we? How dare we be of good cheer in the midst?

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

"But be of good cheer."

If He says it, it must be so.

If He Says it, it Must. Be. So.

Even when cheer doesn't seem to make any sense in the moment?

"But be of good cheer."

This isn't some strange pop-psychology.

This isn't just the technique of "opposite action," an attempt to act opposite of our emotional urges.

And this isn't just naivete or ignorance or turning a blind eye to reality...

This is really something....

This IS something...the Reality of the Word.

The Word promises that God "grants us blessings forever and cheers us with the joy of His presence" because of trust in the Lord. (Psalm 21:6)

This is Trust.

This IS SomeOne...entirely different, One Who gives us blessings forever and promises His Presence.

This IS SomeOne...who reminds us to imitate Him in His Prayer, even before His arrest, His sentence to death, His death on a cross:

This is Christ.

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you...

I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work You gave me to do." John 17:1

Can we dare to be of good cheer on the path God has for us, no matter what?

Can we fathom imitating Christ by saying, "Father God - the time is now! Glorify us only that we may Glorify You. Let us glorify You here on earth and finish the work which You have given us to do!"

Can we trust God's terms, versus our own template?

Can we trust that we can have a peace that surpasses understanding and circumstance, as long as we cling to Christ?

Can we trust fully that something glorious will result, even though we can't see it, can't imagine it, and can hardly believe it?

Can we trust the Word which is Truth which was made Flesh?

Can we trust...Christ?

"But be of good cheer."

It's almost like stringing lights to shine in the darkness...

like decorating and dressing up a home and a church and a street...

like playing hopeful music and song...

like going out of the way to give gifts and spread...Cheer...

These are our outer manifestations, our obedience to the command, "Be of Good Cheer!"

Yet a deeper, inner obedience is realized.

The multiple commands of Christ to "Be of Good Cheer!" often accompany His next promise: "Your faith has made you whole!"

Faith.

Faith that God has made us and is making us and is remaking us.

Faith that God won't leave us or forsake us.

Faith that God isn't finished until we are whole, wholly His, Holy.

Faith in His Word which is Truth which was made Flesh. Faith in Christ.

Faith in trusting our Good Giver who loves to see us give, both out of our poverty and out of our abundance (which is His abundance to us).

God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor 9:7

And as we receive anything, everything from Him,

Even His Son...

in faith, in trust...

God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, (YOU!) always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Cor 8

Our lives are gifts only by the grace of God.

Our salvation is secured only by the gift of Christ.

Our goal is to keep on giving the Gift.

Thanks be to God for His Indescribable Gift! 2 Cor 15

Christ's own Words speak to us individually, personally:

"Daughter...cheer up...your faith has made you well. Go in peace." Luke 8:48

Chin up. Cheer up.

We can Trust in God - and only because of this - Truly Commit to Cheer.

Put on cheerful eyes. Bright eyes cheer the heart. Prov. 15:30

Spread the Good News. Good news strengthens the bones. Prov. 15:30

"Be of good cheer."

Be of good cheer. Of God Cheer. Filled with God.

Because God is here with us...in us...for us...Emmanuel...

cheer covering, coating and changing everything...

like snow...