"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." - Luke 22:42-43
A child’s spinning top and a
seal spinning a ball on its nose have little in common except that both of their
performances require balance. This caused me to think about the balance in our
lives. Often we find ourselves thrown off center by spinning confusion and
instability. Each compartment we meticulously created now slants like the
Conditions appear out of
control. We get disoriented and feel insecure and fearful. We panic and make
poor decisions. We try unsuccessfully to manage the people and events in our
life in an attempt to make us feel safe again. But this never helps and usually
increases our anxiety by creating frustration in others.
As we keep our eyes on Jesus
~ the author and finisher of our faith ~ feelings of peace replace
disheartening panic and uncertainty. We live our lives according to His
example. He prayed before beginning each day. He lived in the moment and did
not worry about tomorrow. Jesus listened to His Father and followed His will in
every word and deed. His focus stayed on God’s kingdom rather than on amassing
worldly goods and fame.
As we walk the tightrope of life, rather than focusing on the details
of our circumstances that often spin out of control, we can focus inwardly
on the peace that He gives us. Then we focus on the balance God affects
in our life as He uses our Spirit-led responses to these circumstances. Life
varies like the ocean with a continuous ebb and flow. Trusting God more and
striving less gives us a life raft to ride out these storms of life. Faith in
God’s faithfulness imparts serenity to our inner core that is consistent
regardless of the circumstances (James 1:2-4).
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, teach us to keep our eyes focused on You, so that the Murphy’s Law that controls life on this earth does not cause us to get too discouraged or to lose hope all together. Help us to discern Your will in our circumstances, which You use to bring forth Your fruit in our life. Show us clearly how You are working all things out for our good.
Thought for the Day:
God’s peace within us
displaces fear and uncertainty regardless of our circumstances. 