Living in joy and hope

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. (Acts 2:42)

It’s easy, I think, to look at those words and make them into a kind of formula for the Christian life. That is, to be a good Christian, you must go to church, read the Bible, pray, and take communion.

But I was thinking of David’s words that Peter quoted in his message.

I saw the Lord ever before me; because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices.

Moreover, my flesh will rest in hope, because you will not abandon me in Hades or allow your holy one to see decay.

You have revealed the paths of life to me; you will fill me with gladness in your presence. (25-28)

What struck me is the joy that was in David’s words.

“The Lord is always before me. He is right there with me even through the darkest valleys, even as I face death. I don’t need to be shaken.

“You’re not going to abandon me in Hades. And if you’re not going to abandon me there, you’re certainly not going to abandon me here on earth. You’ve shown me the paths that give life. Just being in your presence fills me with gladness.”

And of course, the basis for all our hope are found in these words,

“You will not…allow your holy one to see decay.” (27)

Because Jesus lives, we also will live. (John 14:19)

That was the hope and joy that the early Christians lived in.

And for that reason, they joyfully devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.

It was a joy to be with the Lord who loved them and to be with his people.

So I guess the question I’m asking myself today is, “Is that the hope and joy I live in?”

Is that the hope and joy you live in?