A PATIENT ONCE ASKED, “WHAT WOULD BE GAINED IF I SAID ‘YES’ TO GOD?

                                             Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC

The man in the bed before me was pondering Christ’s words, “Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and sup with him.” I stood praying he would say “yes–knowing it would change him, bring hope and peace, joy and perseverance into his life.

For sure, the results of responding to Christ’s knock on the door of my heart at age eight, answering, “Come in, Lord Jesus,” has brought a life more surely filled with meaning and purpose.

In the writing below, am extending a number of Scripture passages for people who have said, “Yes, God, I want to receive Jesus Christ into my heart, making Him Lord of my life.”

Specific gains promised within each verse are capitalized and centered above each passage, making these clearly apparent.

LIFE BECOMES BLESSED

Numbers 6:24-26

The Lord bless you and keep you;
²⁵ The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;

²⁶ The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.” ’

***

DWELLING IN SAFETY;

SHELTERED ALL DAY LONG;

Deuteronomy 33:12

. . . “The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, Who shelters him all the day long; And he shall dwell between His shoulders.”

***

ABILITY TO LET GO FEAR AND NOT BE DISMAYED

Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, nor be dismayed.

For, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

***

FREEDOM FROM WANT, RIGHT LIVING, RESTORATION OF ONE’S SOUL

NO FEAR OF DEATH

CONTINUAL COMPANIONSHIP WITH THE LORD

GUIDANCE, PROVISION. COMFORT

ANNOINTING, JOY

GOODNESS AND MERCY

A KEEN KNOWING THAT LIFE AFTER DEATH IS AHEAD

Psalm 23: 1-6

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

***

A STALWART, DETERMINED HEART

STRENGTH,

ACCEPTANCE

Psalm 19:14,

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

***

DELIVERANCE FROM LIFE’S AFFLICTIONS AS THESE COME AND GO

Psalm 34:19

 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

***

A TRIUMPHANT WALK WITH GOD

Isaiah 50:7 (NewLiving Bible translation)

⁷ Because the Lord God helps me, I will not be dismayed; therefore, I have set my face like flint to do His will, and I know that I will triumph.

***

REACHING OUR HEART’S DESIRES

TRUST

REST

Psalm 37: 4-7

Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. 6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. 7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;

***

KNOWING THE EVERLASTING ARMS OF GOD ARE THERE

TO CATCH ME EACH TIME I FALL

TRUST

Psalm 91:1-2

He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

***

TAUGHT OF THE LORD

Psalm 119:10-12, Psalm 119:16, Psalm 119:32

With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
¹¹ Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.

¹² Blessed are You, O Lord!
Teach me Your statutes.

***

DELIGHT

STRENGTH IN MEMORY

Psalm 119:32, Verse 16

I will delight myself in your statues; I will not forget Your Word.

***

ABILITY TO KEEP GOD’S COMMANDMENTS

AN EXPANDED HEART

Psalm 119:32

I will run the course of Your commandments, for you have enlarged my heart.

***

A PLACE TO HIDE

SHIELDED FROM HARM

HOPE

 Psalm 119:114

You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.

***

SAFETY

Proverbs. 18:10

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

***

FORGIVENESS FOR BEHAVIOR WE REGRET

Isaiah 1:18-19

“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
¹⁹ If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land . . .”

[T IF YOU REFUSE AND REBEL  . . . WELL,

LET’S JUST SAY THINGS AREN’T GOING  TO GO SO WELL . . .]

***

PERFECT PEACE

Isaiah 26:3-4

You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
⁴ Trust in the Lord forever,
For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.

***

BELONGINGNESS NEEDS ARE MET

Isaiah 43: 1

“Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine . . .

***

FORTITUDE

ABILITY TO BE A SURVIVOR

Isaiah 43, verse 2-3^a

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. ³ For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior . . .

***

KNOWING OUR SOULS ARE PRECIOUS

RECONIZING THAT WE ARE HONORED AND LOVED

Isaiah 43, verse 4^a, 5

. . . since you were precious in my sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you . . .Fear, not for I am with you.

***

FOUND BY GOD

TAUGHT HOW TO PRAY

BROUGHT BACK FROM THE BURDEN SIN BRINGS

 Jeremiah 29:11-14

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.  I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity….”

***

HEALING FROM LIFE’S WOUNDS

HAVING A HEALTHY SOUL

 Jeremiah 30:17

I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord…

***

REST FROM HEAVINESS

ABILITY TO LET GO THE BURDENS OF LIFE

Matthew 11:28-29

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

***

TRUTH ABOUT WHO THE LORD IS

AND HIS PLAN BECOMES CLEAR

 WE GAIN THE RIGHT TO BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD

John 1: 1-5, 10-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. ⁴ In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. ¹¹ He came to His ^[a]own, and His ^[b]own did not receive Him. ¹² But as many as received Him, to them He gave the ^[c]right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: ¹³ who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. ¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

***

INHERITANCE: HEIRS AS GOD’S CHILDREN

COMING TO KNOW FATHER GOD

Galatians 4, 6-7

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” ⁷ Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

***

ETERNAL LIFE:

DEATH CANNOT HOLD GOD’S CHILDREN IN THE GRAVE

John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

***

NO FEAR OF DEATH

PROMISE OF HEAVEN

John 14:1-6

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ⁴ And where I go you know, and the way you know.” ⁵ Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” ⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

***

NO CONDEMNATION: SINS OF THE PAST ARE COVERED BY THE

FORGIVNESS OF CHRIST

BECOMING ABLE TO WALK IN TRUTH WITH A PURE SPIRIT

Romans 8:1-2

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. ² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

***

SUFFERING UNDERSTOOD

”GLORY” SHALL BE REVEALED

Romans 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

***

EVEN MY MISTAKES WILL BE TURNED TO GOOD

AS MY “WALK” IS COMMITTED TO GOD

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called

according to His purpose.

***

POWER

A STRONG MIND—FILLED WITH GOD’S TRUTH THAT DISSPELLS FEARS

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

***

PATIENCE

LACKING NOTHING, COMPLETE

WISDOM FROM GOD

FAITH

KNOWING GOD HEARS MY PRAYERS

PROFITING FROM TRIALS

James 1:2-7

² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

***

UNDERSTANDING AS GOD’S PLAN UNFOLDS

SEE GOD AS TRUSTWORTHY AND LONGSUFFERING

ABLITY TO TRUST THAT GOD HOLDS THE FUTURE

UNDERSTANDING AS GOD’S PLAN UNFOLDS

SEE GOD AS TRUSTWORTHY AND LONGSUFFERING

ABLITY TO TRUST THAT GOD HOLDS THE FUTURE

Revelations 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

The Scriptures above will bring an amazingly lift to your soul during times of uncertainty, pain of various sorts . . . and particularly when the world seems “hard to take.” Reading these will no doubt show the vastness of what can come for a person who takes the message of the Bible seriously–deciding to receive the Lord Jesus Christ. Without a doubt doing so creates a new identity which Scripture refers to as being “born again.”  Imagine the truth: If you have opened your heart to Jesus  Christ–eternal life is now yours!

[1] C.S. Lewis calls the incarnation of God the Son the “central miracle” of Christianity. He is right. The redemption, restoration, re-creation, and reconciliation of sinners—and all of creation besides—depends entirely on the supreme fact that God, without ever ceasing to be fully who he is, became fully who we are in and as Christ Jesus. Why did God do this? Why is it, in other words, that the “Word became flesh”? The principal reason underlying all the other magnificent reasons that God the Son united himself to our humanity is this: that by the Holy Spirit we may be united to Christ and so enjoy his fellowship with the Father forever. This is eternal life (John 17:3). Taken as a quote from: https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-things-you-should-know-about-union-with-christ/

[1] All but one passage is from The New King James Version extended below are both or clarity of the Bible. Yet, Isaiah 50:7, is from the New Living Bible translation.

Prepared by Chaplain Joy Lepage Smith, MA, BCC

healing-with-Joy.com

PLEASE NOTE; There are many helps on the above website,. These are free for using and coping for sharing. My hope is that people can live more abundantly through the truth Scripture extends . . . as life becomes rich when peace and joy rule instead of alarm, dread and fear.

I have thought myself to be a woman of faith. But in some situations anxiety has been a frequent companion. In those instances, my mind never seems to stop its efforts to “work it out,” meaning, I feel sure I can do something that will be more helpful, thus put an end to the dilemma.

Constantly I must pull back my helping hands, sit on my feelings of helplessness, and simply trust, praying, “God, help me to believe that you are in control.” Okay, then I may chortle at myself which brings a little relief—until the next round.

Fear is an awesome boxer, especially when our trainer—the world—repeatedly says, “Seeing is believing.” So, when we do not see any signs of getting what we hope for, when the odds look entirely against us, do we bolt? Run and hide? Or, as believers choose to stand on higher ground?

Our reality as people of faith calls us to look beyond difficult situations, keeping our eyes on the horizon of hope. The writer of Hebrews explains: “Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see,” (Hebrews 11:1).

When we are gasping for breath within life’s battle of addiction, financial concerns, unemployment, relational struggles, or squaring off with challenging health concerns (the list goes on) . . . hoping to get at least a toe-hold . . . where do we turn?

A good starting point is to link into the sermons and teachings of God’s faithful servants, our priests and pastors, and to the inspired pages of the Bible. It was St. Paul who instructed us to find faith “through hearing, what is heard being the word of Christ.”

It is so easy to use religious phraseology, expressing what we hold to be true, but when our backs are against the ropes, where it feels like we are taking one swift blow after another, this is a different matter. To say at that point, “I know God will triumph” means faith is speaking.

One writer, Oswald Chambers, put it this way: “The trial of our faith gives us a good banking account in the heavenly places, and when the next trial comes, our wealth there will tide us over. If we have confidence in God beyond the actual . . . we shall see the lie at the heart of the fear, and our faith will win through in every dilemma.”

This points to spiritual muscle, something we do not acquire by curling up in the corner fretting about our losses. It comes in exercising our faith, volleying it over and over into the face of our fears.

Words written long ago by Isaiah bless me today: “Because the Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like flint to do His will and I know I will triumph,” (Isaiah 50:7).

Comfort comes, too, in saying, “God, you must trust me a lot or you would know I couldn’t go through this!” For sure, He always offers enough encouragement to keep us, His people, from bolting and running to the side of bitterness, cynicism and revolt.

Some, like my husband, Gary, live out a philosophy of “I’ll take each day as it comes; there is no sense in worrying about tomorrow.” This is almost word for word what Jesus said. But there are times when this is hard for some of us to believe. People like me, who seem to have been born battling tendencies to look ahead, adjust and fix, think we can somehow save ourselves from something bad happening. In part, this is true. But we can overdo it. We need not to be worriers. With God’s help—and our faith—we always come out on top while gaining a new perspective.

It helps within this stage of the “fight” to become aware when fear is creeping into our thoughts. (This sounds simple, but recognizing when we are worrying is one mighty big first step!) Second, speaking to the fear outright, saying, “Be gone!” puts us in command. Next, offer up praise to God that He is all powerful and in control of all. Rejoice in the fact we are never alone. The Lord is always with us! And, each time our faith is tried we can emerge as stronger people.

That heavenly bank account spoken of earlier can at times seem too small, yet there is always enough for what is needed—if we don’t panic. The fact we keep increasing our ability to trust—while not giving up, is the reason we come out triumphant. It could take a while, but it’s sure to come.

For believers, our reality does not lie within circumstances. Our reality lies with trusting God, knowing “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose,” (Romans 8:28). 

Difficult times come to all of us. Notice how differently you feel after reading the short passages I have typed below. It is like entering a “different space.” There is a reason for that.

Please enter a comment below if you would like my thoughts as to why this is so. Also enter there a desire for prayer, if you like. I will see it the same day–and will begin to pray for you. There is no charge for any of my ministry efforts. All are free.

I have found how God can lift and comfort us. Sharing what helps and heals is now what my life is all about. See what you think after reading these passages:

Matthew 11:28-29 – Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Isaiah 1:18 – Come now, let us argue it out says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land, but if you refuse and rebel . . . [well, let’s just say “things won’t go so well.”]

Psalms 23: 1-6 – The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death; I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Revelations 3:20 – Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave His only Son so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.

Isaiah 26:3 – Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace-in peace because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.

2 Timothy 1:7 –  …  for God has not given the spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.

Jeremiah 29:11 – For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future and a hope.

Psalms 91:1 – You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say of the Lord, my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”

Psalms 1:1 – Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of the scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord.

Romans 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ our Lord!

Romans 8:28 – We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.

John 14:1-3 – Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.

Psalms 37:4 – Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

If alarmed or unsure–having difficult thoughts–please do not hesitate to ask for prayer below, or call a pastor, priest or rabbi. These leaders can help you. Or, call a trusted friend who also prays. God our Creator is with us and He alone can heal our souls, quieting our concerns and fears. God made us and has a plan for our lives. 

Please feel free to request prayer, if desired, by entering a comment below.