Filled with peace and joy

By Pastor Jon Enter

What’s crushing down on you? 

Years ago, a nuclear-powered submarine, USS Thresher, disappeared in the ocean depths. A small valve had frozen up from condensation, causing the sub to dive too deep. Everyone inside perished. Because of new technology, another submarine went into the area where the Thresher disappeared. This new sub was thick-plated, thick-glassed, highly pressurized and, therefore, capable of going into deep water. When the Thresher was found, it was discovered that the sub had imploded; this hunk of steel had been crushed like a piece of paper. Yet around the collapsed sub swam tiny sea creatures. They had big eyes, their skin was thin, and they swam joyfully in the same environment that crushed metal. How? 

The natural pressure inside these deep-sea creatures was opposite and equal to the pressure pressing on them. God designed them for it. 

God did not design humans to be within the pressure of a sinful world. That’s why we are overwhelmed, crushed, and imploding. King David, who was crushed by his sin and overwhelmed by his surroundings, gave this encouragement: “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence” (Psalm 16:11). The only way to avoid being crushed by this sinful world is to be filled up with Christ. 

What is crushing down on you? Wait patiently for the Lord. Wait for his providence and protection. Wait for him to show you what he is planning for your life. Follow his path, and you’ll find peace and joy in his presence.

Topic:

Share:

About the Author

Pastor Jon Enter

Jon Enter is the campus pastor at Saint Croix Lutheran Academy in West Saint Paul, Minnesota. He previously served 14 years in West Palm Beach, Florida. Jon lives with his wife, Debbi, and their four daughters. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Related Posts

We all wish God would snap his fingers and make our lives easier. We wish nicotine cravings would simply disappear, [...]

When you are in unspeakable pain, it is natural to question the love of God. If God has the power [...]

Eleazar might be one of the most famous warriors in Israel whom we’ve never heard of. “As one of the [...]

How do you hold on to your faith in God when life is falling apart? When you feel alone at [...]