12/27/20
"Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS." (Matthew 1:24-25)
Joseph wrestled with the question of, "What shall I do?" It was all that he had on his mind, both day and night. He was deeply troubled!
Then, God answered his question by sending an angel, who explained everything to Joseph, and told him not to be afraid. He also told him to take Mary as his wife, and to be a father to her child!
So, all that Joseph had been troubled by was summarily answered by God, and he received instructions about what he was to do!
Hallelujah! God answers our calls for help, and gives us instructions that solve our problems!
But, unless we heed the Lord's instructions, our troubled heart will not have peace.
That is the way of human beings. Often, we seek advice and helpful information about what troubles us, but we do not heed it, nor do we obey. And when we turn a deaf ear, we find no help, nor peace of mind.
Joseph was raised from sleep, and "...did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him,..." (v. 24) Joseph obeyed! Joseph accepted God's instructions of what to do! Joseph found peace in his heart!
God has sent His Son into the world at Christmas, and for one reason, to offer unto the lost salvation. God's instructions to the lost are simple,
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
An angel brought the words of instruction and comfort to Joseph. The very words that he so desperately sought for, and needed to hear. The angel was the messenger, but the words were God's.
When you hear the words, "God loves you, and wants to save you, and be your Father, the messenger shared those words with you, but they are God's words.
And they will do you no good, unless you do as God hath bidden you to do, like Joseph did.
I imagine that it was not easy for Joseph to trust in God, but he did it anyway. And God's peace filled his heart.
Whatever may be troubling you, bring it to the Lord. But be prepared to follow God's instructions, for that is the path to peace.
From my heart to your heart.