You may be thinking, I sure don’t feel very radical. I get up and another day begins, pretty much the same as yesterday. I read my bible and nothing changes. The truth of the matter is we need to persevere even if it does not feel like anything is happening. If the bible says it will, it will. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? We need to be very careful that worship is not based on how we feel. The joy of the Lord is your strength no matter how you feel. Paul prayed with joy even as a prisoner. How many Christians can say that today? Philippians 4 said “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We live in a culture that bases much of worship on how we feel. God must have been present because I feel great. This is not always the case; it may have been a song that just made you feel good. The true test is like Paul in prison. He was able to rejoice even though his situation was life or death and he was ready for both. The radical Christian does not base their joy on their feelings. The radical Christian perseveres even when it gets tough or even when the voice of God seems silent and the days turn into weeks and months and sometimes years. During these times of silence you read and pray but don’t turn away from God’s word. Don’t mistake times of silence for departure. The radical Christian knows that God never leaves them or forsakes them and therefore they have nothing to be anxious about and can then live joyfully even though that particular day you may not feel joyful or even radical. A consistent radical Christian ploughs ahead and does not base their relationship with God on how they feel at that particular time. We need to learn to depend of God daily and be steady no matter how we feel. Psalm 62 “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. 6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. 7 My salvation and my honour depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. 8 Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” satan loves to play with our emotions so make sure you are standing on the solid rock.
