For most growing children, teen years are difficult; Mom and Dad don’t understand and only want control over them…or so they think. But aren’t people of any age who don’t know Jesus as Savior guilty of that same attitude toward God? They sense He is their judge and become hostile. Reconciliation seems impossible.

Rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Romans 5:11

In most cases with parents, and always with God, it is love that governs their actions. Children may eventually appreciate the reasoning behind the rules. The believer, however, can actually experience a psychological and spiritual change as they come to know the Father’s saving grace. As one commentator wrote, “Only in Christian faith does God take the initiative to win, at terrible cost, the affection of those who have wounded him by their sins.” Believing means you are restored to a harmonious relationship with Him. Reconciled by Jesus’ death, but as Paul writes, “much more…[you are] saved by his life.” (Romans 5:10)

Rejoice in God, believer, for He is the One who provided the way through Christ. Let the joy in your heart be overflowing! Then boldly pray for the leaders of this nation that they may know the joy found only in the Lord.

Recommended Reading: Romans 5:1-11