Even though they were in the midst of deep suffering and persecution, the apostle Peter called on the people to bless the name of God. How could he do that? Didn’t he know they were suffering? How could he call them to praise and celebration in the midst of such pain? Isn’t that a bit insensitive?

Peter’s response to questions like these is founded in a story that is greater than any immediate story. He shares with the people that in Christ they have come into a new way of living, a way defined by the phrase, “a living hope” (I Peter 1:3). This living hope is rooted firmly in “the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (I Pet. 1:3).

An extraordinary thing has happened in human history and this “thing,” this “resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” sets into motion a reality of life so real that even in the midst of suffering and pain, there is a hope that trumps everything, and ignites a spirit of rejoicing even when one is “distressed by various trials” (I Pet. 1:6).

This life of faith in Jesus is dramatic and wonderful; it is like no other life in the world. It is life lived in all the moments given to us, but it is life invaded by the supernatural life of God in Jesus. We have a living hope that holds us steady in the arms of God, and a promise that there is still more to come.

Today we live in and for Jesus, seeking to allow His life to shape and form us into Christ-like persons. On this journey we “are protected by the power of God” (I Pet. 1:5). Nothing, in the words of the apostle Paul, can “separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 8:39).

Our lives are covered by grace, and we do not walk alone.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is either utter nonsense or the most profound thing ever to happen in the history of the world. Many people live to call it nonsense. Some people live in the manifest glory of that divine reality. Those of us who have believed in Jesus and responded to the call of this resurrected Christ consider it to be the best decision we ever made.

John Henry Jowett writes that "Everything is transfigured in the Risen Christ. Everything is lit up when 'the Sun of Righteousness arises with healing in His wings.' Life is lit up, and so is death, and so are sorrow and daily labour and human friendships! Everything catches the gleam and is changed. 'We are no longer of the night, but of the day.' 'Walk as children of light.' 'Awake, thou that sleepest, arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine upon thee.'”[1]

Have you caught "the gleam?" Has the glory of God in the face of Christ captured your imagination and captivated your living? Have you let the majesty of this One who died that you might live embrace you in the grace and mercy of God? Have you allowed the Living Christ to enter into the ebb and flow of your life and set you free deep down inside your life where nobody lives but you?

Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to us. Based on this we believe everybody ought to know who Jesus is, why He came, and how He saves. He is God's response to the deepest needs of the human heart, and He lives to bring abundant life.

In the film, "The Shawshank Redemption," one of the characters says to another, "Get busy living, or get busy dying." I like that; and, I, for one, have chosen to "get busy living." God is too good to do otherwise.

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[1] John Henry Jowett, My Daily Meditation, April 10

GOD IS GOOD. This I believe with all my heart. I will go to my grave believing God is good. Human beings are suspect, and one has to be very careful in choosing just whom one will trust, but God is good.

God's lovingkindness is everlasting and the Bible says, "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes" (Ps 118:8-9). How do we know this? Because the Bible tells us that it is human beings who rejected the One who was actually God's chief cornerstone," the One who showed us that God is our God (Ps. 118:22, 28).

Knowing that God is good affects those who believe it to the very core of their being. Having tasted the goodness of God, those who call Him their God seek to live in response to that marvelous goodness. How could it be otherwise? Embraced within the loving goodness of God, His grace becomes a way of life for them. It isn't about religion. It isn't about creed. It isn't even about giving oneself to the highest principle possible. It is about being in relationship with the Living God, the Living God who is good.

God is good and He loved the world so much that "He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). On that basis we can trust Him. We can worship Him. We can live for Him. We can say, "The Lord is for me; I will not fear…the Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation" (Ps. 118:6, 14).

All these things caused the psalmist to say, "The Lord is God, and He has given us light…You are My God, and I give thanks to You; You are my God, and I extol You" (Ps. 118:27a, 28).

We live in a busy world that seems never to slow down much. It’s really a 24/7 world. Even the freeways (of Southern California at least) are busy at all hours of the day and night. Busyness seems to be a badge of honor to many people. Cell phones interrupt conversations routinely because the thought of turning them off or placing them on silent mode is simply unthinkable. Many people in our age can’t slow down or intentionally disconnect from the outside world. As a result, we live tired, tense, and frustrated, always wondering why we’re tired, tense, and frustrated.

God has a word for us concerning this. It is the wonderful word REST. The ancient prophet wrote of God, “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3). Jesus said, “I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). These thoughts raise a couple of question. Who do we ultimately trust? On whom do we keep our thoughts centered? The answer we give impacts whether or not the peace of God will be free to embrace our lives.

Personally, I am not asking God for a slower life. I like the fast pace; I enjoy the tempo. I find myself more productive when I am under pressure and must create for myself deadlines, deadlines that keep me focused in a world where distraction comes far too easy. What I am asking for is the presence of God to be so real in me that I will never let anything or anyone jettison Him from being front and center in my life. Some things are non negotiable; this is one of them.

In the midst of noise and busyness our minds and hearts can be fixed on God. Let nothing interfere with this. God Almighty Himself is with us, and His presence is a calming embrace. Let Him embrace you.