Life often bombards us with
circumstances beyond our control. Each time we find a place of rest, something
or someone beyond our control interrupts our serenity. We believe we have to
maintain control over every aspect of our life in order to remain safe.
Sometimes, we respond to adversity by fighting back or by grumbling and
complaining. In resorting to this negative behavior, we actually lose our
serenity altogether! Worry takes our mind off the here and now and keeps it
either a prisoner of the past or trapped in an imagined future.
Psychiatrists say worry can
also cause anxiety, apathy, headaches, decreases in our immune system,
increases in blood pressure, insomnia, and even bad habits such as grinding
teeth and biting nails. When our heart is in anguish within us, when the
terrors of death assault us, when we are trembling with fears that attack us
and when the horrors of life overwhelm us, we want to run far away and hide. We
wish we had wings like a dove so we could fly away and be at rest. We long for
a place of shelter far from the tempest of issues and emotions that storm our
life (Psalm 55:4-8).
Since it’s often impractical
to hide or fly away, we can patiently accept each circumstance as a new
challenge to our faith and an exciting adventure planned for us by the Lord.
God’s power manifests in our weakest moments. We can actually boast about how
weak we are; because then, instead of showing off our own power and abilities,
we live as a demonstration of Christ's power. We can follow Paul’s example and
learn to be content in whatever state in which we find our self (Philippians
4:11-13). As we dwell in this secret
place of the Most High, He will lead us, guide us and make all things work out
for our good (Romans 8:28). God is
always with us, working on our behalf. He is all we need.
The less we have, the more
we depend upon God (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). If we draw our security from the Son Himself, instead
of some weak reflection the world offers us, our rest will last for eternity.
We may experience discomfort now and then from a fiery trial, a disappointing
loss or a daunting challenge; but we will always have God’s Light, because His
Sonshine never fades away. Difficulties come in life, but when we are weak,
then He is strong for us. He is constant and always shares His love and wisdom
with us regardless of our circumstances.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when we trust in You, we will never
experience the depression of hopes dashed against the cold reality of a faded
moon. We will rest in the solid constancy of God’s never changing Son, because
You never fail us nor forsakes us (Hebrews
13:5-8). You constantly make intercession to the Father for us
every moment of our life (Hebrews 7:25; Romans
8:34). Satan may bombard us with doubt and anxiety, but if
we look to You, then Your perfect love will cast out all of our fear (1 John 4:18).
Thought for the Day:
Someone said, “Fear knocked.
Faith answered the door and no one was there!” 