Nothing, not even the simplest of tasks, is ever
easy. Murphy’s Law is always in play; so if there is anything that can possibly
go wrong, it certainly will. Tribulation is inherent in this world in which we
live.
We get so jaded in our thinking, and so fearful in
our expectancy of opposition, that we end up walking through life just waiting
for someone to say or to do something hurtful or inflammatory.
We worry that someone or something will invade our
personal space and strip us of our power, control, prestige, comfort or
intimacy in our relationships. As a consequence of living with all of this
stress we bring harm to our body and soul.
Physically, we tend to develop ulcers, heart
issues, and nerve damage; mentally, we drown in phobias, anxiety and
hypochondria. Emotionally, we experience irritability, anger, resentment,
depression, defensiveness, etc. as they inundate our soul.
Some
Christians spend their whole life in the baby stage, never really maturing in
their faith, but being content just to be going to heaven. They follow their
own desires rather than the Holy Spirit's leading (1 Corinthians 3:1-3).
Our only hope of rising above the conflicts in life
is to continually dwell in the spiritual realm. We recognize Jesus as the
Author and Finisher of our faith, and we surrender our life to His direction.
We live our days in total worship of Him.
Contentment
and peace in life only come from having a spiritual, rather than a carnal mindset,
focus, worldview and perspective (Romans 8:6). Our goals,
outlook and viewpoint are then eternal rather than temporal.
Prayer:
Father
God, we can actually relax, once we realize that You
have plans for us that include peace rather than disaster, plans to give us a
future filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11). When negative circumstances do arise,
we have the faith that You will work out even the most destructive events for
our good (Romans 8:28).
We look forward to the days, which are coming, when
You raise up a righteous Branch, King Jesus, who will reign wisely and do what
is just and right in the land (Jeremiah 23:5). Then peace and joy will flood
our lives, as He wipes away every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more
death or sorrow or crying or pain. Thank You that all of the negative issues of
life will be gone forever (Revelation 21:4).
Thought
for the Day:
True peace and success only come when God's Spirit sets
us free from the power of sin and the entanglement of this world; He teaches us
His way, and leads us on a level path, because of our enemies; then, each new morning
He brings us word of His unfailing love, because we put our total trust in Him.
- Psalm 27:11, 143:8
