“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
—John 16:33

We often seek a version of peace that requires a complete absence of trouble. We think, “If I can just resolve this conflict, pay off this bill, or get past this stressful season, then I will finally have peace.” We base our tranquility on our external environment. But a peace that relies on perfect circumstances is fragile, leaving us feeling battered whenever the storms of life pick up. It creates anxiety because we know trouble is always just around the corner.

There is a peace in John 16 that doesn’t need a calm environment to survive. Jesus didn’t promise an escape from the world; He promised an anchor in it. He gives you peace.

Take note of what He said: “so that in me you may have peace.” Jesus then explicitly guarantees that “you will have suffering in this world.” It’s a certainty. But His peace coexists with that suffering. It is based on a finished reality: “I have conquered the world.” You can be carefree about the final outcome of your battles because your Savior has already won the war. His presence inside your storm is enough for the battles ahead.

The 90/10 Rule of the Storm

[read this article to learn more about the 90/10 rule]

• The 10%: The guaranteed “suffering” of this world—the daily frictions, the sudden crises, and the ongoing trials that try to steal your composure.

• The 90%: The reality that Jesus has already conquered the world. The fact that His permanent, unshakeable peace is available in Him right now.

If you focus on the 10 percent, you will live at the mercy of the wind and the waves. When you give the 90 percent of your attention to the fact that He gives you peace, your soul finds its ultimate anchor. The storm may rage around you, but it cannot get inside you.

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Identify the loudest, most chaotic circumstance in your life today. Instead of praying exclusively for God to remove it, ask Him to reveal His presence and strengthen you in the middle of it. Say out loud: “In this world I have trouble, but in Jesus I have peace. He has conquered the world.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise You because You are the Prince of Peace. Thank You that the peace You provide is not dependent on my circumstances being perfect. Today, I choose to take courage and rest in the fact that You have already conquered the world. Guard my heart and mind with Your peace today. Amen.

View all messages in the series at: www.faithsaves.us/t/joy-series-faith-saves-us

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may also be.” —John 14:1-3

Earthly goodbyes are heavy. Whether it’s a temporary separation from those we love or the permanent sting of loss, farewells leave us feeling exposed and hurt. We look at the empty spaces in our lives and wonder if we’ve been left behind to fend for ourselves in a challenging world.

But the message of John 14 speaks to the exact center of that kind of heartache. On the night He was betrayed, Jesus looked at His troubled disciples and gave them a concrete guarantee. He didn’t say, “Good luck until you see me in heaven.” He said, “I am going to prepare a place for you... and I will come again.”

We can shift our gaze from our current isolation to His certain return. The same hands that were pierced on the cross are currently working on your eternal accommodations. Jesus is a preparing Savior. You don’t have to live as a spiritual orphan. You can be spiritually healthy amid the trials of this present age, knowing that this world is just a temporary tent.

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The 90/10 Rule of the Horizon

[read this article to learn more about the 90/10 rule]

• The 10%: The present troubles, the lonely nights, and the feeling that you are navigating this world entirely on your own.

• The 90%: The absolute certainty of His return. The fact that a place is being custom-built for you right now, and the clock is ticking toward the moment He takes you to Himself.

If you focus on the 10 percent, your heart will remain deeply troubled by the chaos of the day. When you give the 90 percent of your attention to the fact that He will come for you, your joy becomes unshakable. The departure was temporary, but the reunion will be permanent.

Whenever your heart feels troubled or overwhelmed today, take a deep breath, look up at the sky, and remind yourself of the promise. Say out loud: “This is not my permanent home; Jesus is coming back for me.” Let that steady your steps as you walk through today’s duties.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise You for Your faithful promise. Thank You that You have not left me comfortless but are actively preparing a place for me in the Father’s house. Today, I rest in the joy of Your certain return, knowing that where You are, I will also be. Amen.

View all messages in the series at: www.faithsaves.us/t/joy-series-faith-saves-us

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. This happens because he is a hired hand and doesn’t care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep.”
—John 10:11-15

Do you ever feel like you’re wandering through a “spiritually hostile environment?” If so, you have likely faced the pressure of making the right decisions, protecting yourself from harm, and finding your way through the fog of daily life. The “wolves” of anxiety and the uncertainty of the path ahead stalks us.

John 10 shifts the focus from our own wandering to His watchful care. Your security today is in Jesus: He is your Shepherd.

A hireling, or “hired hand,” runs when the “wolves” of life appear, but the Good Shepherd stands His ground. He has already proven His commitment by laying down His life for the sheep. Because He knows you intimately—just as the Father knows the Son—His care is specific to your needs. His grace is enough to keep you safe in the fold.

The 90/10 Rule of the Fold

[read this article to learn more about the 90/10 rule]

• The 10%: The “wolves” and the rugged terrain of your current circumstances that make you feel exposed or lost.

• The 90%: The character and presence of the Good Shepherd. The fact that He knows you by name and has already secured your life.

If you focus on the 10 percent, you will live in a state of constant “flight” or fear. When you give the 90 percent of your attention to the fact that Jesus is your Shepherd, your joy is no longer preyed upon by the “wolves.” You aren’t responsible for finding the path; you are only responsible for following the One who is the path.

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Identify one area where you feel “exposed” or unprotected today. Instead of trying to build your own fences, visualize the Good Shepherd standing between you and that threat. Say out loud: “The Lord is my Shepherd; I have everything I need.” Let Him provide rest and restoration for your soul today.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise You for being my Good Shepherd. Thank You for laying down Your life to save me and for knowing me so intimately. Today, I choose to follow Your voice and rest in Your protection, knowing that I am safe in Your hands. Amen.

View all messages in the series at: www.faithsaves.us/t/joy-series-faith-saves-us

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The origin of this big white sign with broad black letters is well documented: A college student back in the 19th century took six postcards and wrote a large letter on each one of the postcards: L-E-T-G-O-D. He then put them on the mantelpiece in his room where he was living at school.

One evening a draft blew through the window and the “D” blew away. As he picked it up, what he saw seemed to be a message from God, five letters remained: L-E-T-G-O. Only by letting go can you let God carry out His will in your life.

“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” —John 10:10 CSB

Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.’ —John 11:25 CSB

We often mistake “existing” for “living.” We spend our days managing schedules, paying bills, and navigating the expectations of the world. It is easy to feel as though the “thief”—be it stress, regret, or fear—is slowly stealing our vitality, leaving us feeling exhausted and spiritually drained. We define a “good life” based on comfort or lack of conflict, but that version of life is fragile.

The Gospel offers something far more durable. Jesus doesn’t just offer a better lifestyle; He offers a different kind of life altogether. The foundation for your strength today is this: He gives you life.

This message is two-fold. First, it is Abundant Life for the present. It is a life of purpose, peace, and unsinkable joy that isn’t dependent on your circumstances. Second, it is Resurrection Life for the future. Because He is the Resurrection, even the greatest “fall”—death itself—has been defeated. You can be anxiety free about your future because your life is with Christ in God. He satisfies your soul today and secures your soul for eternity.

The 90/10 Rule of Living

[read this article to learn more about the 90/10 rule]

• The 10%: The daily drains on your energy—the “thieves” of time, health, and focus that try to diminish your spirit.

• The 90%: The “Life” that Jesus has already deposited in you. The fact that His resurrection power is currently at work in your heart.

If you focus on the 10 percent, you will live in a state of constant depletion. When you give the 90 percent of your attention to the fact that He gives you life, your joy becomes firm. You aren’t just surviving the day; you are thriving in the abundance of His grace.

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Take a moment to identify one area where you feel “dead” or drained. Instead of trying to jumpstart your own heart, ask the “Resurrection and the Life” to breathe into that situation. Say out loud: “I choose to live in the abundance Jesus has provided today.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise You as the Giver of Life. Thank You that You came not just to give me a destination, but to give me an abundant life right now. I reject the influence of the thief who tries to steal my joy. I trust in Your resurrection power to sustain me and give me hope for all eternity. Amen.

View all messages in the series at: www.faithsaves.us/t/joy-series-faith-saves-us

Jesus spoke to them again: ‘I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.’
—John 8:12

There is a specific kind of anxiety that comes from not knowing where your next step will land. When we are “in the dark” about our health, our finances, or our family’s future, the world feels vast and dangerous. We often stress over trying to see into the future, but our own foresight is limited and often influenced by fear. In the shadows, joy feels like a luxury we can’t afford.

But the Gospel isn’t about us finding our own way; it’s about a Light that has found us. Jesus didn’t just bring a flashlight; He is the Light. The foundation for your peace today is that He lights your way.

When you follow Jesus, you aren’t promised a floodlight that reveals the next ten years, but you are promised a lamp that is enough for the next step. His presence ensures that your path is illuminated, even when the world around you feels pitch black.

The 90/10 Rule of the Path

[read this article to learn more about the 90/10 rule]

• The 10%: The “darkness” of the unknowns in your life—the questions that haven’t been answered and the paths that aren’t yet clear.

• The 90%: The “Light of Life.” The fact that Jesus is currently present and purposefully leading you.

If you focus on the 10 percent, you will be paralyzed by the shadows. When you give the 90 percent of your attention to the fact that He lights your way, your joy finds a steady anchor. You don’t need to see the destination when you are holding the hand of the One who is the Way.

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Identify one “dark” area of your life where you feel confused or uncertain. Instead of trying to solve it all at once, ask Jesus for just enough light for today’s step. Say out loud: “I am not in the dark because the Light of the World is with me.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise You for being the Light of the World. Thank You that I never have to walk in darkness because I belong to You. I often worry about the shadows ahead. Today, I trust You to light my way and give me the ‘light of life’ for every step I take. Amen.

View all messages in the series at: www.faithsaves.us/t/joy-series-faith-saves-us

Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of eternal life to which you were called... I charge you... to keep this command without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. God will bring this about in his own time. He is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. —1 Timothy 6:12-15

Life can feel like a “good fight” that we are losing. We face daily battles with our health, our work, and our own inner doubts. In the heat of these struggles, it’s easy to feel alone, as if the outcome of the war depends entirely on our own limited strength. We wonder if goodness will ever truly prevail.

But 1 Timothy 6 shifts our gaze from the struggle to the Sovereign. Paul reminds us that our endurance is anchored in the character of God, who is the “blessed and only Sovereign.” The ultimate foundation for your courage today is this: He is King of kings and Lord of lords.

If Jesus is the King of kings, it means that every other authority—every boss, every doctor, every world leader, and even death itself—is subordinate to Him. He doesn’t just hold power; He is the power that “will bring this about in his own time.” Jesus is enough to see you through to the end.

The 90/10 Rule of Sovereign Peace

[read this article to learn more about the 90/10 rule]

• The 10%: The “good fight” of your daily circumstances and the daunting presence of worldly authorities that seem to have the final say.

• The 90%: The absolute sovereignty of God. The fact that He is the King of every king and the Lord of every lord.

If you focus on the 10 percent, you will live in a state of anxiety, feeling like you have to win the battle on your own. When you give the 90 percent of your attention to the fact that He is King of kings, your joy finds a permanent anchor. You aren’t fighting for victory; you are fighting from the victory of your King.

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Identify a “ruler” in your life right now—perhaps a looming deadline, a financial burden, or a difficult relationship—that feels like it is dominating your peace. Look at it and say: “You are not the king of my life; Jesus is the King of kings.” Let that remind you that He has the final word over every detail of your day.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank You that You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords, and that Your authority is over all. Help me to fight the good fight of faith today with joy, knowing that You are in control of all things and will bring Your promises to pass in Your perfect time. Amen.

View all messages in the series at: www.faithsaves.us/t/joy-series-faith-saves-us

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live sensible, righteous, and godly lives in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
—Titus 2:11-13

We often find ourselves trapped in a cycle of trying to “fix” our own lives. We use a human measuring stick to track our progress, hoping that if we just row hard enough or act “good” enough, we can earn a sense of peace. This leads to a life that feels overwhelmed by the fear of falling short.

Titus 2 reveals that joy doesn’t start with our effort; it starts with an appearance. Grace didn’t just send a set of instructions; it sent a Person. This passage contains one of the most powerful declarations in the Bible: He is our great God and Savior.

This message is the dual foundation of our faith. He is God, which means He has the sovereign power to hold all things together. And He is Savior, which means He has the heart to rescue us from our “fall.” Jesus gave Himself for us to redeem and save us.

You can be anxiety-free in your “sensible and godly living” because you aren’t working for salvation, but from it. Jesus covers your past and He is powerful enough to secure your “blessed hope” for the future.

The 90/10 Rule of the Blessed Hope

[read this article to learn more about the 90/10 rule]

• The 10%: The struggle to “deny worldly lusts” and the pressure we feel to perform in the present age.

• The 90%: The appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior. The finished work of redemption He has already accomplished.

If you focus on the 10 percent, you will live a life of weary moralism. When you give the 90 percent of your attention to the fact that He is God and Savior, your joy finds its anchor.

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Identify one area where you’ve been trying to be your own “savior” lately. Today, intentionally trade that burden for the “blessed hope.” Remind yourself: “My great God and Savior has this handled.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise You as my great God and Savior. Thank You for the grace that has appeared and for the salvation You have brought to my life. I confess that I often try to save myself. Today, I rest in Your purifying work and wait with joy for Your appearing. Amen.

View all messages in the series at: www.faithsaves.us/t/joy-series-faith-saves-us

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
—Hebrews 10:25

I believe a good goal is to encourage at least one person each week. Here are a few ideas for putting our encouragement into action:

• Observe and mention admirable character qualities you see in others, such as punctuality, thoroughness, tactfulness, diligence, faithfulness, honesty, compassion, good attitude, and good sense of humor.

• Handwritten notes are the best of all, but emails and texts can be very encouraging.

• Notice a job well done and say so. Affirmation motivates.

• Be supportive to someone you know is hurting.

The world is full of discouragers and what everyone needs, besides connection with God, is encouragement.

A new work week has begun. Let us be the CIA: Christians in Action.

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But to the Son, he says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; this is why God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy rather than your companions.’ —Hebrews 1:8-9

We live in a world of constant turnover. Leadership changes, policies shift, and even the strongest institutions eventually crumble. This creates a sense of insecurity, as we try to gauge how long our current peace or stability will last.

But Hebrews 1 points us to a Kingdom that is not subject to elections, coups, or decay. The Father Himself addresses the Son as God and declares that His rule is “forever and ever.” The foundation for your deepest joy is this: He reigns forever.

Jesus isn’t just a temporary fix for our problems; He is the permanent Sovereign. His rule is defined by a “scepter of justice.” He doesn’t reign with the heavy hand of a tyrant, but with the “oil of joy.” Because His throne is eternal, your joy is unsinkable. You don’t have to worry about who is “in charge” of your future or the world, because the One who loves righteousness is already seated. You can be joyful in your service to Him, knowing that your King will never be unseated.

The 90/10 Rule of the Kingdom

[read this article to learn more about the 90/10 rule]

• The 10%: The changing leaders, shifting circumstances, and the “lawlessness” we see in the world that makes us feel uneasy.

• The 90%: The eternal throne of the Son. The fact that He is currently anointed with the oil of joy and holding the scepter of justice.

If you focus on the 10 percent, you will be tossed back and forth by the news of the day. When you give the 90 percent of your attention to the fact that Jesus reigns forever, your soul finds a permanent anchor. Jesus handles the chaos because He is superior to every other power.

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Look at the headlines or a personal situation that feels out of control. Visualize a throne that rises high above it all. Say out loud: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I acknowledge You as the eternal King. I praise You that Your throne is not temporary and Your justice is perfect. Thank You for the oil of joy that You share with Your people. Help me to live today as a citizen of Your kingdom, resting in the fact that You reign forever. Amen.

View all messages in the series at: www.faithsaves.us/t/joy-series-faith-saves-us

Whitney prescribes a method of prayer that creates variety by having us open up God’s Word to pray between verses. He states that he has confidence in the Word and the Spirit of God to believe that if you pray in this way, in the long run your prayers will be far more biblical than if you make up your own prayers.

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Here is an example of how one could pray through the beginning of Psalm 23:

The Lord is my shepherd

Pray: Lord, I thank you that you are my shepherd. You’re a good shepherd. You have shepherded me all my life. And great Shepherd, please shepherd my family today: guard them from the ways of the world; guide them into the ways of God. Lead them not into temptation; deliver them from evil. O great Shepherd, I pray for my children; cause them to be your sheep. May they love you as their shepherd, as I do. And, Lord, please shepherd me in the decision that’s before me about my future. Do I make that move, that change, or not? I also pray for our under-shepherds at the church. Please shepherd them as they shepherd us.

I shall not want

Pray: Lord, I thank you that I’ve never really been in want. I haven’t missed too many meals. All that I am and all that I have has come from you. But I know it pleases you that I bring my desires to you, so would you provide the finances that we need for those bills, for school, for that car?

He makes me lie down in green pastures

Pray: Lord, I would be grateful if you would make it possible for me to lie down and take a nap today.

He leads me beside still waters

Pray: Yes, Lord, do lead me in that decision I have to make about my future. I want to do what you want, O Lord, but I don’t know what that is. Please lead me into your will in this matter. And lead me beside still waters in this. Please quiet the anxious waters in my soul about this situation. Let me experience your peace. May the turbulence in my heart be stilled by trust in you and your sovereignty over all things and over all people.

He restores my soul

Pray: My Shepherd, I come to you so spiritually dry today. Please restore my soul; restore to me the joy of your salvation. And I pray you will restore the soul of that person from work/school/down the street with whom I’m hoping to share the gospel. Please restore his soul from darkness to light, from death to life.

That’s it. If you are praying through a psalm, you simply read the psalm line by line, talking to God about whatever thoughts are prompted by the inspired words you read.

A nineteenth-century Scottish pastor once said: “Turn the Bible into prayer…This is the best way of knowing the meaning of the Bible, and of learning to pray.”

For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow—in heaven and on earth and under the earth—and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. —Philippians 2:9-11

We spend a lot of energy trying to carve out our own little kingdoms. We want to be the “Lord” of our reputations, our bank accounts, and our futures. This leads to stress because, deep down, we know we aren’t strong enough to protect those kingdoms. We compare our status to others, chasing a version of “glory” that is fleeting and hollow. Reminder: It is not healthy to compare ourselves to others.

But Philippians 2 shows us a joy that comes from surrender, not striving. It tells the story of the King who “emptied himself” only to be “highly exalted” by the Father. The ultimate anchor for your soul today is this: He is Lord.

If Jesus is Lord over “heaven and on earth and under the earth,” then He is Lord over the things that keep you up at night. He is Lord over your diagnosis, Lord over your workplace, and Lord over your deepest regrets. We experience freedom by abdicating the throne to our “kingdom” to the only One who actually deserves to sit on it, in His kingdom. Joy is found when we stop saying “My will be done.”

The 90/10 Rule of the Throne

[read this article to learn more about the 90/10 rule]

• The 10%: Your desire for control, your plans for the week, and the “knees” in your life that currently refuse to bow to His peace.

• The 90%: The exalted status of Jesus. His victory is already a settled fact.

If you focus on the 10 percent, you will live in constant frustration as life refuses to go your way. When you give the 90 percent of your attention to the fact that He is Lord, your joy becomes a steady anchor. You don’t have to win every battle because He has already won the war. Jesus won!

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Identify one area of your life where you have been trying to play “Lord.” Today, intentionally hand the crown back to Jesus. Whenever you feel that familiar anxiety, whisper: “Jesus, You are Lord of this, too.” Let the weight of the world fall off your shoulders and onto His.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise You as the One with the Name above every name. Thank You for the joy that comes from bowing my knee to Your perfect leadership. Amen.

View all messages in the series at: www.faithsaves.us/t/joy-series-faith-saves-us

Without thinking much about it, we put a ton of faith in complete strangers every day when we get behind the steering wheels of our vehicles.

My daughter and I almost died in a car accident the morning of Sept. 25, 2025, due to a distracted driver in a large pickup truck, who was going too fast around a corner, shown in the photo below, and came within inches of crashing into us, before abruptly swerving back into his lane.

It is a miracle that we’re alive. My daughter heard me pray as my blood pressure settled. A prayer of praise for the miracle of continued life on this earth, where we both have gifts still available to help others, thanks to God.

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It wasn’t until several hours after the close call before I read the notifications on my phone. One notification that got my attention was posted by a Bible app, notifying me of Psalm 3:3, “But you, O LORD, are a shield around me; you are my glory , the one who holds my head high.” This notification hit my phone within 10 minutes of the near fatal accident. Wow!

Fully aware that we do not know when our time here is over, I sincerely say the following: Make your days count for something by loving those around you and by securing your eternal life by putting your faith alone in Christ alone.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and by him all things hold together. —Colossians 1:15-17

We often feel like our lives are one “bad day” away from falling apart. It’s as if we are walking on thin ice, calculating just how much more stress we can take before everything shatters.

But the universe isn’t held together by your effort, your diligence, or even the laws of physics alone. It is held together by a Person. The message of Colossians is that the same Jesus who walked the dusty roads of Galilee is currently the “Cosmic Glue” of reality. He holds all things together.

Think about the relief of that truth: If He is currently holding the atoms of the farthest star in place, He is certainly capable of holding your life together. Your joy is unsinkable because it doesn’t depend on your ability to “keep it all together.” In fact, the more we realize we can’t hold things together, the more we can experience the joy of leaning on the One who does. Jesus isn’t just a bystander in your chaos; He is the active, sustaining force that prevents the waves of life from having the final say.

The 90/10 Rule of Sustainability

[read this article to learn more about the 90/10 rule]

• The 10%: The things that feel like they are “slipping through your fingers”—your schedule, your worries, and the areas where you feel out of control.

• The 90%: The sovereign power of Christ. The fact that “by him all things hold together” at every moment of every day.

If you focus on the 10 percent, you will live in a state of constant panic, trying to be the “glue” for your own world. When you give the 90 percent of your attention to the fact that Jesus holds all things together, your joy finds its anchor. You don’t have to carry the world; you just have to trust the One who does.

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Take a deep breath. As you exhale, imagine releasing the “grip” you have on your most stressful situation. Physically open your hands and say: “Lord, I am not the one holding this together; You are.” Let the joy of His sustaining power replace the exhaustion of your own effort.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise You as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Thank You for the joy and relief of knowing that You hold my life, my family, and my future together. Help me to rest in Your power today. Amen.

View all messages in the series at: www.faithsaves.us/t/joy-series-faith-saves-us

Fellow believers in Jesus Christ: those who do not share the same faith likely do not read the Bible or even own a Bible; instead, they read US. When we identify ourselves as Christians, whether it’s through spoken word, a bumper sticker, or a necklace, we become reading material. We are being read all the time.

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How we respond to difficult times provides an authentic glimpse into our lives with Christ. If unbelievers observe us responding well in the face of life’s challenges, they will be more open to finding out how they can have the same outlook on life, because let’s face it, we all experience pain, temptations, and challenging times. If we as Christians act no differently than anyone else when times get tough, then there is nothing different about us; nothing different to be inspired by or to emulate.

When we placed our faith in Christ alone for His promise of everlasting life, we became new creations, old things passed away, all things were to become new. Let’s be Spirit-led and the best reading material possible for those who don’t currently know Jesus. God will do the rest.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
— John 1:1, 14 CSB

Religion is often presented as a climb up an infinite ladder. We end up using a human perspective to determine how much “better” we need to be to reach God. Spoiler alert: ladders don’t reach God. And, our next devotional series, simply titled “Enough,” will focus on the only condition necessary for salvation.

The blueprint of the Gospel is not an upward climb. The ultimate foundation for an unsinkable joy is this: He is God in human form.

The Creator didn’t just send a message; He became the Message. He didn’t just look down with pity; He “dwelt among us.” Dwelt in this context implies He “pitched His tent” in our neighborhood. He took on “dust” and experienced everything you do: hunger, exhaustion, and especially the sting of betrayal.

God is not a distant concept to be studied, but a Person to be known. Because He became flesh, your joy isn’t based on your ability to reach Him, but on the fact that He has already reached you.

The 90/10 Rule of Proximity

[read this article to learn more about the 90/10 rule]

• The 10%: Your feelings of inadequacy and the “distance” you feel from God when life is hard or you’ve made a mistake.

• ...90%: The historical, theological fact that the Word became flesh. He is not “out there,” He is here, and He is “full of grace and truth.”

If you focus on the 10 percent, you will always feel like you are shouting into a void. When you give the 90 percent of your attention to the fact that He is God in human form, your joy finds its anchor. He knows what it’s like to be you, and He has the power to sustain you.

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Today, as you go about your mundane tasks, remind yourself: “The God who made the universe did things like this, too.” Inviting the “God in human form” into your ordinary moments transforms them from a chore into a source of joy.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I stand in awe of Your humility. Thank You for not staying distant, but for becoming flesh and dwelling among us. Today, I find my joy in the fact that You are “God with us.” Thank You for Your grace and truth that meet me right where I am. Amen.

View all messages in the series at: www.faithsaves.us/t/joy-series-faith-saves-us

When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on the land. He saw them straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. ... he came toward them walking on the sea. ... ‘Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.’ Then he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased.
—Mark 6:47-48, 50-51 CSB

Exhaustion comes from “straining at the oars.” We’ve all had those seasons where it feels like every bit of progress is met with a headwind. We row with all our might, yet our circumstances say we haven’t moved an inch. In those moments, joy feels like a distant memory left behind on the shore.

But Mark 6 shows us that even when we are “in the middle of the sea” and feel alone, we are never out of His sight. The text says He saw them. And then, He did the impossible: He walked on the very thing that was terrifying them. He rules the sea.

The waves are a sidewalk for our Savior. The thing that feels like it’s going to swallow you up is actually under His feet. When He says, “It is I,” He is literally saying “I AM,” invoking the name of God. Jesus isn’t just a helper who swims out to save you; He is the Sovereign King who treads upon the heights of the sea. Your joy is unsinkable because the One in your boat is the One who rules the deep. You can be carefree even when the wind is against you, because the Wind-Maker is on His way.

The 90/10 Rule of the Surface

[read this article to learn more about the 90/10 rule]

• The 10%: The “straining at the oars”—the effort, the resistance, and the waves that look like they have the upper hand.

• The 90%: The feet of Jesus on the water. The reality that the obstacle between you and Him is actually His pathway to you.

If you focus on the 10 percent, you will eventually collapse from exhaustion. When you give the 90 percent of your attention to the fact that He rules the sea, your heart finds an anchor. He doesn’t just calm the storm from a distance; He walks through it to get to you.

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Identify the thing that makes you feel like you are rowing hard but going nowhere. Instead of rowing harder, look for Jesus in the middle of that struggle. Remind yourself: “The thing I am afraid of is under His feet.” Let the joy of His sovereignty over the “sea” give you the courage to stop straining and start trusting.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that You see me when I am straining at the oars. I confess that I often feel overwhelmed by the headwinds of life. Thank You for the joy of knowing that You rule the sea and that nothing is too difficult for You. I take courage today because I know You are with me. Amen.

View all messages in the series at: www.faithsaves.us/t/joy-series-faith-saves-us

He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Silence! Be still!’ The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Then he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?’ —Mark 4:39-40 CSB

The disciples were seasoned fishermen, but this storm was different. It was battering their boat, and more importantly, it was testing their faith. When they looked at Jesus, they didn’t see Him strategizing or panicking; they saw Him sleeping on a cushion.

We sometimes use our immediate danger to test God’s compassion. If there is a storm, we assume He must be indifferent. But this miracle shows us that Jesus wasn’t sleeping because He didn’t care; He was sleeping because He was in total control. When He stood up, He didn’t offer a suggestion to the weather; He issued a sovereign command. He calms the storm. With two words—“Silence! Be still!”—the chaos was forced to submit to its Creator.

Unsinkable joy is found in the realization that while the storm may be loud, it is not sovereign. The message of Mark 4 is that you don’t need the storm to stop to have peace; you just need to know who is in the boat with you. Jesus is not just the one who watches you in the storm; He is the one who sets the boundaries for the waves.

The 90/10 Rule of the Calm

[read this article to learn more about the 90/10 rule]

• The 10%: The “wind and sea”—the literal noise, the splashing water, and the very real threat that feels like it’s about to sink your life.

• The 90%: The Presence of the Commander. If the One who created the atoms of the wind is resting in your boat, you can rest too.

If you focus on the 10 percent, you will spend your life frantically bailing water. When you give the 90 percent of your attention to the fact that He calms the storm, your joy becomes a constant anchor. The storm is temporary, but Jesus’ authority is eternal.

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What “storm” is currently shouting at you? Today, instead of trying to shout back at the waves or work harder to save yourself, sit in silence for three minutes. Visualize Jesus standing in the middle of your chaos and saying, “Silence! Be still!” Let His authority over the elements give you the joy of a quiet heart.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank You that You are the Lord of the wind and the sea. Thank You for the joy of knowing that You are in my boat and that You have the final word. When the storms of life rise up, help me to find my rest in You. Amen.

View all messages in the series at: www.faithsaves.us/t/joy-series-faith-saves-us

He was transfigured in front of them, and his face shone like the sun; his clothes became as white as the light. ... a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said: ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased. Listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown and were terrified.
— Matthew 17:2, 5-6 CSB

We sometimes get so used to the “Lowly Jesus,” the one who walked in the dust, felt hunger, and wept with his friends, that we forget His true nature. In the daily grind, our vision of Him can become blurred by the dense fog of our own problems, seeing Him merely as a “helper” or a “consultant” for our lives.

But on the Mount of Transfiguration, the veil was pulled back. For a few brief moments, Peter, James, and John didn’t just see a carpenter; they saw that He is glorious.

His face didn’t just reflect the sun; it “shone like the sun.” Unsinkable joy isn’t found in looking at our own reflection or our own progress; it is found in looking at Him. When the disciples saw His majesty, they were terrified, but that fear was quickly replaced by a profound realization: the One who is “Enough” for our salvation is also the Lord of All Glory.

The King who has all authority (see Day 12) is also infinitely beautiful. When we are affected by the ugliness of the world, which includes division, decay, and darkness, we can find rest by turning our eyes toward the Radiant King. The glory they saw on the mountain is the same glory that lives within you, as a believer, through His Spirit. You aren’t just following a good man; you are walking with the Sun of Righteousness.

The 90/10 Rule of Glory

[read this article to learn more about the 90/10 rule]

• The 10%: The “shadows” of this world: the mundane tasks, the discouraging news, and the gray areas of life that feel dim and lifeless.

• The 90%: The blinding, beautiful reality of Jesus’ glory. He is the light that no darkness can overcome.

If you focus on the 10 percent, you will live a “dim” life, always squinting to find hope. When you give the 90 percent of your attention to the fact that He is glorious, your perspective changes. You realize that the darkness isn’t winning; it’s just the backdrop for His light to shine even brighter.

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Today, take five minutes to step away from the “gray” of your to-do list. Close your eyes and picture the Transfigured Christ—the one whose clothes are “white as the light.” Acknowledge His beauty. Instead of asking Him for something, simply tell Him: “Lord, You are glorious.” Let His light burn away the dense fog of your worries.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I stand in awe of Your majesty. I confess that I often lose sight of Your glory because I am so focused on my own shadows. Thank You for the joy that comes from simply beholding who You are. You are radiant, You are beautiful, and You are more than enough. Shine Your light into my heart today. Amen.

View all messages in the series at: www.faithsaves.us/t/joy-series-faith-saves-us

‘Lord,’ the centurion replied, ‘I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, “Go,” and he goes; and to another, “Come,” and he comes...’ When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, ‘Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with so much faith.’ — Matthew 8:8-10 CSB

We sometimes feel anxiety because we think our joy is at the mercy of a boss’s mood, a doctor’s report, or the chaos of the world. There is an assumption that if we can’t see a solution, one doesn’t exist.

But the Roman centurion in Matthew 8 understood things differently. He recognized that Jesus didn’t need to be physically present to change a situation. He didn’t need to “walk on waves” to the centurion’s house to fix the problem. Why? Because He has all authority.

The centurion saw that Jesus wasn’t just a teacher; He was the Commander of creation. This is the unsinkable foundation of our joy: The Word of Jesus is the highest law in the universe. When He speaks, reality must adjust. The reality for us today is that we don’t have to manage the outcome of our struggles. We serve a Savior whose “Go” and “Come” are obeyed by every molecule and every circumstance. You can be carefree in the middle of a storm because the One who loves you is the same One who has authority over the wind.

The 90/10 Rule of Authority

[read this article to learn more about the 90/10 rule]

• The 10%: The problem that seems out of control, the sickness, the conflict, or the broken situation that you can’t reach or fix.

• The 90%: The authority of Jesus’ Word. He doesn’t need to be visible to be active; He just needs to “say the word.”

If you focus on the 10 percent, you will live in a state of constant beating by your circumstances. But when you give the 90 percent of your attention to His sovereign authority, you find joy. Your situation is not the boss of you; Jesus is the boss of your situation.

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What is the one thing in your life today that feels out of control? Instead of trying to fix it with your own diligence, bring it to the Commander. Acknowledge His authority over that specific detail and say: “Lord, I trust Your Word over this situation.” Let the joy of His sovereignty replace the weight of your worry.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise You because You have all authority in heaven and on earth. I confess that I often act as if my problems are bigger than Your Word. Today, I surrender my out-of-control situations to Your command. Speak Your word of peace, healing, and direction into my life. I find my joy in knowing that You are in charge. Amen.

View all messages in the series at: www.faithsaves.us/t/joy-series-faith-saves-us