Introduction – Living in Christ’s “Now”
Life rarely pauses: deadlines loom, devices buzz, headlines unsettle. Yet Jesus invites us to live present-tense with Him, drawing on heaven’s resources in the middle of Monday traffic. This article unpacks six gifts God places into the hands of every believer–gifts designed for ordinary days, not just mountaintop moments.
- Deep, Abiding Joy
“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” (John 15:11, NASB)
“You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” (Psalm 16:11, NASB)
Joy in Scripture is never a fragile mood tied to the weather. Jesus, hours from Gethsemane, speaks of His joy–proof that this wellspring lies deeper than circumstance. The psalmist locates that wellspring “in Your presence”. When we linger with Christ–whether praying in a parked car or meditating on a verse at the kitchen sink–His own delight seeps into our spirit. Joy becomes the settled awareness that God is near and good even while pressures remain.
- Strength and Continual Renewal
“Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” (Isaiah 40:31, NASB)
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, NASB)
Isaiah pictures an eagle riding warm updrafts–effortless not because it tries harder but because it trusts the wind. Waiting on the Lord is that posture of lifted wings: quieting our hurry long enough for His power to carry our weight. Paul, chained in a Roman cell, echoes the same secret. Strength is not summoned; it is borrowed–received afresh whenever we pause to look up. This renewal is daily, even hourly: energy for spreadsheets at 10.00am, grace for toddlers at 4.00pm, courage for a hard phone call at 6.00pm.
- Victory and Escape in Temptation
“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NASB)
Temptation often feels like a private ambush–“Why am I so weak?” Paul dismantles the isolation: temptation is “common”. More importantly, God is actively engineering escape routes. Sometimes the route is literal (close the laptop, walk outside); sometimes internal (a sudden Scripture recall, a friend’s timely text). Endurance is not white-knuckled willpower but a moment-by-moment partnership with the faithful One who stands in the room with us.
- Freedom from Fear
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7, NASB)
Fear whispers insufficiency–You’re not safe, not liked, not able. The Holy Spirit answers with a three-fold counter-gift: power to act, love that shifts focus from self to others, and discipline (sound mind) that steadies runaway thoughts. Notice the source: God “has not given” fear; therefore fear is an intruder, not a tenant. Naming that truth is half the battle. The other half is stepping out–sending the email, having the conversation–trusting the Spirit’s power in real time.
- Overflowing Hope
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, NASB)
Hope, biblically, is certainty about a future God has promised. Paul prays we would overflow–like a spring that can’t be lidded. Such hope is both inward (steady hearts) and outward (contagious witness). When believers radiate quiet confidence amid layoffs or medical scans, the watching world senses a sturdier foundation. Hope becomes an apologetic as compelling as any argument.
- An Abundant, Meaningful Life
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10, NASB)
“Abundant” does not begin with bigger pay-cheques or longer holidays. Jesus contrasts Himself with every thief that drains life–sin, shame, hollow success. His abundance is relational and qualitative: purpose that permeates routine, creativity that turns jobs into callings, communion that frames even suffering within eternal love. It is living wide-awake, eyes on a Shepherd who leads to green pastures even in urban streets.
Putting It into Practice – Six Everyday Steps
- Morning Exchange – Before touching the news, pray: “Jesus, trade my emptiness for Your joy today.”
- Scheduled Pauses – Set two phone alarms to “wait on the LORD” (Isa 40:31). Close eyes, breathe, receive His strength.
- Exit Strategy List – Keep three quick actions (call a friend, step outside, quote 1 Cor 10:13) handy for tempting moments.
- Fear Audit – Write current worries, then write 2 Tim 1:7 beside each. Speak the verse aloud until peace nudges fear aside.
- Hope Journal – Each evening record one sign of God at work. Small sparks keep hope bright.
- Abundance Filter – Ask of every commitment: “Does this steal life or cultivate it?” Adjust your calendar accordingly.
Looking Ahead
Part 4 will explore the peace that guards the mind and the guidance that lights the next step. Until then, may Jesus’ joy overflow, His strength renew, and His hope lift your gaze through every ordinary moment this week.
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