“Joy to the world, the Lord is come,” is a powerful hymn written three centuries ago by Isaac Watts. Based on Psalms 98, the final verse of the hymn begins with, “He rules the world with truth and grace,”—not a bad insight for reflecting on God.

In my younger days, I would choose among God’s truths. After I identified the truths I followed, people who missed my truth surely needed to learn the truth. It made the task of knowing who was following Jesus much easier. After all, I was sure God needed my assistance in ruling His world. To extend grace did not hold a prominent place as a tool in my box of most-used ministry skills.

Somewhere along the path, I accepted reality and agreed it is God’s world. At no time has he appointed me as assistant judge. God rules His world—not me. Watts’ lyrics provide an apt description of God’s rule. He rules the world with truth and grace.

“Truth and Grace” is not a bad guideline to follow as I attempt to navigate the remainder of life.  I should never fear truth. Truth is my friend. My friend truth gives me encouragement, reflection, and correction. Truth is not a concept—it is a value. It is of no value to speak of truth and not pursue it.

God rules his world with truth. The sun sets and rises anew. God says that will happen as long as the current world exists. I can count on it. It is truth. If I play with fire or with sin burns will happen. That is truth. I can count on it. God rules the world with truth. The more I rule my life with truth, the closer will be my alignment with God.

The event on the hill near Jerusalem shouts grace to God’s world. God acted drastically through the death of His son so that I can access His grace. God loves me. God loves me. God loves me. It is as if I must constantly repeat this truth to believe it.

Translation: God treats me with grace. He knows I am man, not divine. Through God-shades, stained with the blood of Jesus, he sees me as a loving son.

God rules the world with grace. Why don’t I follow His lead? The more I rule my life with grace, the closer will be my alignment with God. Wouldn’t that be an incredible way to live the rest of my days? How would it change eternity if people encountered me as a walking blessing?

When the former lush lawn turns to a shade of brown, the solution is grace nutrients. A bag of nutrients loads my lawn spreader. It is heaping full. Up and down, back and forth I walk. Grace flies in all directions. The lawn receives the grace-filled nutrients and basks in renewal.

I want to live with joy for the world because indeed the Lord is come into my world to fill it with truth and grace.  I would have a tough time finding two better words as a guide.

What is your reflection? How do grace and truth serve as your guide?

Stay tuned. – Gary Sorrells