Probably Doomed and Perplexingly Merry

I recently finished a novel about a near-future American dystopian society. Although the book itself was not my favorite, the author’s chapter titles were unique and the title above particularly stood out to me. It resonated with me as a somewhat tongue-in-cheek summary of our journeys as exiles here on planet Earth. In a lot of ways our man-made plans for the future are probably doomed and in light of that we, as believers, have the opportunity to be perplexingly merry.

This past Christmas, our family of six, who was spread out over three states, was able to be all together for about 24 hours. It wasn’t near enough time but we were thankful to be together. As we make plans to take a family vacation this summer, we have to set realistic expectations. With car trouble, work schedules, illness, and other unknown variables, what is the likelihood that our desire to be all together will be met? It’s probably doomed. If so, will I still find myself being merry? That is the promise of Psalm 63:3, “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.” While I can’t control my adult children’s calendars, my life, by the power of the Holy Spirit, can be a testimony of enduring joy.

Let’s be clear. If you have made a decision to turn from your sin and place your faith in Jesus as your Lord and Saviour because of his work on the cross, your future is secure and there is no condemnation. You are in Christ and God will never leave or forsake you. You can bask in God’s love and enjoy abiding peace here and now. In a very real sense, you have never been less doomed. At the same time, until that day when we no longer experience sin, shame, and suffering, we go through life with the potential of pain, loss, and disappointment. We often have a plan of how we would like our life to go only to realize the storybook ending had a dramatic derailment. 

God is loving, sovereign, and wise. He is using all things to make us more Christ-like. This is comforting but also requires faith. God could have given you your good desires but He chose not to. So our decision to choose merry in the midst of trial requires a humble dependence. What makes our joy perplexing to those around us is that we continue to worship, glorify, and praise the God who lovingly ordained the dooming of our man-made plans. At church when I see fellow believers, who I know are struggling, worshipping God, I am encouraged to look at my trials in light of eternity. I am reminded that I should hold my future plans loosely (family vacation) and at the same time display for others where my true joy is found. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I can by faith believe in the promises of God. 

Written by Casey Davidson