Do you ever feel like a meteor fell out of the sky and landed right on top of you? Is there trouble at every turn and nothing ever works out as it is supposed to happen?
Jesus advises us to fall on the Rock, before the Rock has
to fall on us (Matthew 21:44). This insinuates that we can prevent certain
negative events from occurring if we trust in Christ alone.
In the center of God's will nothing will actually harm us
and anything that rises up against us will not stand or prosper (Romans 8:31;
Psalm 118:6). Outside of the will of God, Satan can attack us or cause us
unpleasant experiences without God's protection.
When we step outside of God's will, He usually disciplines
us in order to return us to the straight and narrow road of His choosing for
our life. He does not discipline to harm us, but to keep us safe and to bless
us.
As vigilant parents, we attempt to keep our children out
of harm's way and walking in safety, security and blessings. God disciplines us
for the same reasons - for our good and to give us a life of peace and joy.
He is not vindictive or harassing us or seeking to punish
us, but is focused on our protection and rewards. As the Bible repeatedly
illustrates to us, God never, ever sends judgment without first giving a
warning.
If we obey right away, we avoid the need for discipline
or reaping the negative results of what we sow. We do not sow to the wind and
reap the whirlwind, but the calm surroundings of green pastures and still
waters (Hosea 8:7; Psalm 23:1-2).
God always restores our soul to equilibrium after the
world attempts to inflict us with trials and troubles (Psalm 23:3). He showers
us with new mercies with each new dawn (Lamentations 3:22-23). Sorrow is
fleeting, and joy always comes with the morning (Psalm 30:5).
Prayer:
Father God, remind us that if we insist on living life
our own way, You will have no alternative but to reprimand us and allow us to
reap the natural consequences of our disobedience. Only in the center of Your
will do we find true joy and peace. Keep our feet from wandering off the
straight and narrow road, which You prepared for us (Matthew 7:13-14).
Help us to totally surrender to You rather than to insist
on living life our own way. Remind us that You have a perfect will for every
member of Your Body, so that we will function together perfectly as we further
Your Kingdom on the earth. Draw us ever closer to You and allow us to reap the
fruit of our labors.
Thought for the Day:
God anoints our head with His peace and our cup overflows
with abundance as He lavishness us with plentiful provision in the midst of our
enemies. - Psalm 23:5
