By Mark Maher
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Life is hard but compared to what? There’s a lot of levels of difficulty and challenges. I can’t imagine my 18-year-old being drafted to go off to war. How about Christ being crucified? Being orphaned. A disease or health concern.
Though at times I wonder if what we might be going through or watching someone go through is really adversity, or is it simply a choice or a preference. This helps give me perspective on what are truly “storms of life.” We can’t control others’ decisions or their outcomes. Parenting is the playground where we practice trusting God.
Trusting God. I’ll admit it’s not easy. Oftentimes it’s the adversity that changes our perspective, but who wants to go through adversity or watch somebody go through adversity. Trusting God in the middle of adversity is not for the faint of heart. Angst is part of the equation. If you gave me one superpower or one wish it would be to take away the angst.
I know the Bible teaches “fear not” and “be anxious for nothing” (Philippians 4:6) and “trust me in the middle of the storm” but it’s not easy. Why is worry so prevalent? Because so too is love. Deep love initiates deep worry and concern.
Enjoy the moment, the day. “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25)
“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (Matthew 6:26-27)
Life is full of challenges, it may or may not go as you plan. We may declare this is not how I wanted it to be, but this is “what is.” So we must learn how to live in “what is.” God teaches us to “walk by faith,” because we find everyday we walk through a place we have never been before. So we must trust Him.
God is right there with you. Find the light. “He is close to the brokenhearted.” (Psalm 34:18) “I didn’t know God stayed close in those times but I’ve learned that He really does.” Toby Mac
“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8) “A faith that has not been tested, cannot be trusted.” John Maxwell
Through tough times grab tight to something you can trust, hold tight to the real promises of God. God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. (Hebrews 13:5-6)
We will “face trials of many kinds.” (James 1:2) Life is not a straight line, many ups and downs. Some things strike us out of the blue. Scripture can be a little harsh when it comes to following Jesus. “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) To follow His ways is not easy.
“Nothing can separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:39) but that doesn’t mean life will go perfect. Comfort and safety have not always been a part of my Christian walk, but Christ has been with me. “Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help.” (Hebrews 13:5 MSG) “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
Today’s reflection: 365 times in the Bible it says “Do Not Fear” Why do you think the Bible constantly says DO NOT FEAR? Why does God constantly repeat this theme? Scripture seems to encourage us to “put on the full Armor of God” every single day and walk through the battle. It’s simply not a passive faith. It’s a faith that encourages us to walk into the fight with tremendous confidence that God’s right there with us. Trust unshaken.
Woke up with this scripture repeating in my mind “The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.” (Hebrews 12:27) The ones who have been shaken, yet REMAIN STEADFAST. Surround me Lord with the surrendered few who are all in, shaken by life, but REMAIN.
“You are seeking joy and peace in far-off places. But the spring of joy is in your heart. The haven of peace is in yourself.” Sathya Sai Baba
