There is nothing righteous about a gloomy, despondent, pessimistic attitude in a believer. In fact, these things are the opposite of righteousness. Those who honor God the most are those who walk before Him with a cheerful heart, full of joy, believing His precious word and rejoicing in His glorious gospel. Paul was in the most perplexing of circumstances, so far as outward evidence was concerned; all hope of being delivered from the dilemma he was in was gone.
Yet he found cause to rejoice and reason to hope; "Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer; for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me" (Vs. 25). Let me encourage you to be of "good cheer." No matter what the day may hold, no matter how bleak the outcome may seem, no matter how severe the pain may be, no matter how hopeless the situation appears to be "Be of good cheer." If you belong to Him in the eternal covenant of mercy, if you are called by His effectual grace, you have every reason to "be of good cheer."
Search the scripture and see if this is not true! "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28). God said, "rejoice in the Lord always;…." (Phil.4:4). Our Lord told the man who was paralyzed, "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee" (Matt. 9:2). He told His disciples who were tossed about in a violent storm upon the sea, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid" (Matt. 14:27).
He told the disciples on another occasion that they would have trouble; but He added, "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 6:32-33). Life can be full of heartache, disappointment, and grief; but we still have abundant reason to "BE OF GOOD CHEER."
Many lessons can be learned from Paul’s shipwreck experience, but none is more important than this: No matter how dismal and hopeless your circumstances may be; God is never too far away to reach into your life and make it better. You may be tested as was Job, but just wait and your change will come. Your steps may be slowed and your shoulders bent beneath a load of care, but do not lose patience. Delivery and victory may be just a prayer away.
I call these words a strange request because of the circumstances under which they were uttered. Paul and two hundred and seventy-five others had been at the mercy of a relentless storm for some fourteen days. They had seen neither sun nor stars.
In verse 10 Paul had attempted to persuade the captain of the vessel not to sail.
"Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives" (vs:10). The centurion chose to believe the ship’s owner and shipmaster rather than this Jewish prisoner. It is not uncommon for men to believe words falling from worldly lips rather than accept the inspired word of God’s servant.
Paul later on reminded them of their refusal to listen to his inspired word and the danger that had befallen the ship and all aboard. Paul’s perception of danger had to have come from a divine source because Paul was not a man of the sea nor was he a forecaster of the weather.
You might say, in a common phrase, that Paul "had a feeling" that something was going to go wrong. Now don’t be in a hurry to say that this is not reasonable.
God is not locked into the principle of logic. He is sovereign and He can exercise His power in anyway that He chooses.
I heard about a mother who pleaded with her son. "Not to go out one night." The boy asked his mother for a reason. Her reply was only, "I just have a feeling that something is going to go wrong." The son laughed and rudely brushed past his mother and out of the house. Less than one hour later, the police brought her the news that her child had been stabbed to death. Do not ignore a "feeling’ that enters into your heart. It may just be the ‘still small voice’ of the Lord.
Not long after they had set sail, Paul’s perception became a fearsome reality. There arose a tempestuous wind. The waves lifted high above the ship; the winds blew angrily; rain poured forth with driving force; the gale beat upon the vessel with unending rage; the sail was torn asunder, and they just drifted alone.
They were at the mercy of the sea. All hope of survival had vanished. Everyone though that death was at hand—everyone, that is, except Paul.
No matter whether you want them to or not ... ‘Storms happen’. Many times, storms occur suddenly and without warning, not giving us time to adequately prepare, ..and they can strike with such force that it may seem that nothing will be able to withstand their onslaught.
Storms not only occur in the ‘natural’ realm’, but there are also other types of ’storms’ ...financial storms that strike at one’s economy...
...physical storms that strike at our health.
...social storms that strike at our relationships...
...emotional storms that strike at one’s mind...
...occupational storms that strike at one’s career...
...personal storms that strike at one’s family...
As well as ...spiritual storms that strike at our soul...! And, NOBODY can avoid them, at least not for very long...!
When a storm occurs, often it creates confusion, frustration, fear, anxiety, worry, grief, and loneliness... and this is especially true of ‘spiritual storms’...! When the ’spiritual’ storm hits, some individuals ...fret and worry that everything will be lost,
...they feel totally helpless and hopeless...
...they run ’to and fro’ looking for an escape route...
...they lash out at God, or somebody else...
And, yet at other times, they ... simply give up and surrender to the situation...!
And, if YOU are like this. I’m not here to criticize or condemn you, but allow me to say this...there IS a ’better’ way... and I want to share it with you...!
I have often imagined what might have happened at the height of desperation on board the ship that night. It was fearfully dark and drear. I can almost hear someone running to the Centurion saying, "Come see about Paul. He must have lost his mind. He is walking up and down the deck crying out, ’be of good cheer’,
Come see about Paul." He making a strange request of us to “Be of Good Cheer” at a time like this. Being approached by the centurion, Paul repeats his plea. "And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. " (Acts 27:22)
Jesus often used this expression to set troubled minds at ease. And even coming from our Lord it was a strange request under the circumstances. Read the story from Matthew 9:1-2. A man sick of the palsy was brought to Jesus for healing.
He was stretched out on his bed, shaking and uttering words that no one could understand. His sickness was considered incurable by medical science. But now he is under the shadow of Him who specializes in doing what cannot be done.
This man, sick unto death, must have been startled and confused to hear Jesus say, "Son, be of good cheer. "
In another incident, the disciples were in the midst of the sea, being tossed to and fro by storm winds. While Jesus had gone into the mountains to pray. He decided to join the troubled crew in the ship. He did not signal for them to bring the ship to shore. Jesus simply began to walk on the bosom of the waters, moving ever so calmly toward the ship. "And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were, troubled, saying. It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. "
How does the Master address this situation? "But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saving. Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. " A strange request under the prevailing conditions. In John 16, Jesus is heard saying to His disciples, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer... "Each time Jesus called for good cheer, he delivered good news, healing to the sick, comfort to the disciples and hope to the distressed.
It has been suggested that if you are going to call for good cheer in the midst of a crisis situation, you had better have some good reasons.
Paul certainly had his. "For there stood by me this night the angel of God, -whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail -with thee. " (Acts 27:23,24)
God gave Paul all the assurance he needed to encourage this tired, distressed and starving group of men not to give up hope. It appears that all aboard were revived and hope was reborn into the hearts of the crew and the prisoners.
Never before in the history of our nation has there been a greater need for a voice to cry out from the moral and religious degradation of our time, saying, "be of good cheer." We cannot, we dare not let hope die.
I am aware of all the bad things that are happening in the world today, and the even worse predictions of things to come. The HIV menace remains a threat. They tell us that crime is on the decrease. We do not need statistics to tell us that this is not so. And yet I come to you with this strange request, "be of good cheer!"
What nerve it must have taken for Paul to stand up in the midst of these starving, tired and angered criminals and say: "Take heart. Cheer up. One can do this if he has been in touch with heaven. Pastor and people alike must invade the doubting domain of Satan with a message of hope. The world has to be invited to be of good cheer.
The major countries of the world have missiles of destruction aimed at each other; smaller countries are threatening the use of chemical warfare against their enemies; the threat of terrorism within our own borders is a very real one. Yet, someone needs to cry out, "be of good cheer."
The call for the people to take heart in the hour of deepest darkness is not risky if it can be backed up with good reasons. I have a few and you should too. I can say "be of good cheer" because of Matthew 28:20. " ...And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. " If Jesus is with us now and forever, we should be able to take courage, even in the midst of persecution,
I can say "be of good cheer" in the midst of the storm because He who makes the winds behave and holds the seven seas in the hollow of His hand has promised to take care of His own. I can shout words of encouragement to the downhearted because it is written, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. " (Hebrews 13:5) I say "be of good cheer"’ because the God we serve will not allow the raging tempest
to endanger our eternal existence.
True to His word, God delivered every one on board safely to land and security. The ship was near the shore. The tempestuous winds were still casting breakers against the vessel.
The lifeboat was lowered, and the crew was about to abandon the ship. Paul then said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. " (Acts 27:3 lb)
Abandoning ship has become a common occurrence in these days of new theological concepts. The people are leaving truth in search of some strange new religions that promise nothing but earthly gain. Some are leaving the ship because a few storm clouds can be seen on the horizon. The promise of salvation has been made to those who stay on board not to those who flee in fear.
Of some things I may not be sure, but this I do know beyond the shadow of a doubt, I am going to stay with the church. Neither tempestuous winds, the cold of winter, cold shoulders, and cold looks of members, nor the threat of death can separate me from my church. I have been talked about in the church; I have been lied on in the church; I have been mistreated in the church. But I will never abandon the church, this old ship of Zion. I plan to stay where I am until I get further orders from my Captain.
Instructions spread throughout the ship. Swim to shore if you can, but those who cannot swim grab anything in sight. Every board, every fragment of furniture, any thing you see floating in the water will have salvation in it.
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Be it known that every man on board the ship was completely saved because God had promised His servant Paul total deliverance. The promises of God are still to be trusted. If you find yourself in troubled waters, don’t lose hope. Be of good cheer. I know that this is like telling a man in the electric chair to rejoice. But believers must carry the message of hope. That’s why I call this a bold request.
I am sure that there are those under the sound of my voice who are about ready to give in to their despair. Sickness is your constant companion and medicines have failed to give you relief. Yet I come to you saying be of good cheer. Take courage.
The rent may be past due or the mortgage has not been paid and the firm for which you work is talking about downsizing. Don’t think I am an idiot when I tell you not to be dismayed. I have my reasons. He who sets the agenda for the universe at the same time is concerned about you personally, is still working out all things together for good. Be of good cheer.
If I were on a ship in a severe storm, I would NOT put I my confidence in the ’ship’...but in GOD...! The ’ship’ (or the bank, or the doctor, or the lawyer, etc.) may let you ’down’.. -but God won’t...! Listen to me......your friends may forsake you...
...your employer may fire you... ...your companion may divorce you...
And........your strength may leave you...but you CAN depend on God...!
First of all, if I were on a ship, like the Apostle Paul was on, I believe that I would look for something strong and secure, something that wouldn’t move or give way...and I would get a secure hold on it...and hang on for dear life...! At least that’s what I do when a ’spiritual’ storm comes along.
I get a tight hold on the Word of God...and I WOULDN’T LET GO...! I hold on... ...to Psalm 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; they rod and thy staff they comfort me."
1) I’ll hold on to: Proverbs 3:5-6 ’Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
2) ...to Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work, together for good to them that love God.. - "
3) ...to Romans 8:31 "...If God be for us, who can be against us?"
4) ...to Romans 8:37 "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
And, along with many other verses of Scripture, I hold on...to Philippians 4:19 ’But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Secondly, I would PRAY...! You had better believe that I would PRAY! I believe that it was PRAYER ...that helped Joseph endure the Egyptian prison..
...that helped the three Hebrews through their fiery ordeal...
...that helped Daniel survive the lion’s den...
...that helped Jeremiah endure the miry pit...
And prayer, ..real, genuine, fervent, sincere, honest, persevering, Scriptural prayer will help YOU in your difficult moments as well...!
I cannot speak for others, but I was among that group that could not swim. I had to grab something. As I floated out in the waters of my transgressions, I had to grab something or be drowned beneath the waves of guilt.
As I was about to go under for the 3rd time, I looked around and a fragment of grace came by. I grabbed grace. I took no chances as love floated by. I grabbed love. It was not long before forgiveness was within reach. I grabbed forgiveness. Everything I grabbed suddenly became my deliverance and I knew the full impact of God’s salvation.
Fear not for it is written under Divine revelation that in heaven there will be "no more curse." Is the thought of dying robbing you of heaven’s joy? Take heart. The recorded truth is that in heaven there shall be "no more death."
Has hurting been your constant companion as you traveled through this world of sorrow? "BE OF GOOD CHEER." It is in the record that in our new home there will be "no more pain."
"BE OF GOOD CHEER." Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy cometh in the morning." (Psalm 30:5)
Be not dismayed what-e’er betide. God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.
No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you;
Are you a witness to the truth of this song? "BE OF GOOD CHEER." He will rescue you from the storms of life if you will trust and obey. Be of good cheer! Jesus has overcome hell, death, and the grave. He died, and was buried, but He rose again. That mountain can be moved. "BE OF GOOD CHEER." That river can be crossed. The doctor does not have the last word. God still heals. Are you brokenhearted? "BE OF GOOD CHEER." Heart fixing is God’s specialty. "BE OF GOOD CHEER."
At the end of this sermon I passed out Laundromat size boxes of "Cheer"
