When life is free from stress and trials, we tend
to forget God, to take credit for our successes and to change our focus from
Christ-centered to self-centered.
God gives us room to follow our carnal desires and
to experiment with our own plans and goals (Romans 1:24); so that when we fail
or get the wind knocked out of us, we will run back to Him.
A trial brings us to our knees and reminds us that
only as we are weak can we be truly strong in Him (2 Corinthians 12:9-11). We
no longer find fulfillment in a sinful lifestyle. God is our exceeding joy
(Psalm 43:4, 149:4).
When God delivers us from various trials and
temptations, our faith increases and we grow spiritually. We realize that we
are now dead to sin and alive in Christ (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:4).
Regardless of our circumstances, our soul finds
true contentment, which comes from God alone. We gradually stop depending on
our self and depend only on God. He becomes the very air we breathe.
Christ is our whole life (Colossians 3:3-4). We
realize our utter dependence on His Spirit to guide us, comfort us and give us
strength for each new day (Lamentations 3:22-23).
As we decrease, He increases (John 3:30-35) and
draws us into a deeper walk with Him. We devour His Word, and this life-giving
source fills us with faith and wisdom for living in this insecure world.
Prayer:
Father God, help us to find serenity, joy and
contentment of soul in You alone. Nothing that this world offers to us equals
to what You give us through Your mercy and grace. Through our total dependence
on You, we find Your strength for each moment of the day as we rise up to meet
the challenges life throws at us.
We can rest in You, because You have all things
under Your control. We want to tell the world what you mean to us. Give us
daily opportunities to be a friend in order to win a soul to Your love. Take
pleasure in us as we hope in Your steadfast love (Psalm 147:11).
Thought for the Day:
Our delight is always in the Lord, because we find
our true contentment and fulfillment in God alone. - Psalm 37:4
