It is so easy to get discouraged when things aren’t going our way. When things are going the way we want, we can start to fall into a pattern of belief that we can plan for or orchestrate all situations in such a way that we avoid problems and hardships. But then something happens to turn all our well thought out plans upside down and we are reminded that no, we really don’t have control of our lives. Control is just an illusion. It is so hard to let go and leave it to God. But when we think of it as a daily decision it seems much more doable. The Bible promises that we will have eternal life if we believe in Jesus but it never promises us a life without challenges (big and small). We can be assured that when we trust God and allow Him into our weakest and most vulnerable moments, He will carry us through to the other side and will shine His light in the process. Lord, help me to keep an eternal perspective and not get bogged down by the problems of this world. They may seem monumental in the moment but are nothing compared to the hope of eternity in heaven with You.
This passage from Sarah Young’s Devotional Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence fits perfectly with this truth.
“Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life. Part of you is still hungering for the resolution of difficulties. This is a false hope! As I told my disciples, in the world you will have trouble. Link your hope not to problem solving in this life but to the promise of an eternity of problem-free life in heaven. Instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world, pour your energy into seeking Me: the Perfect One.
It is possible to enjoy Me and glorify Me in the midst of adverse circumstances. In fact, My Light shines most brightly through believers who trust Me in the dark. That kind of trust is supernatural: a production of My indwelling Spirit. When things seem all wrong, trust Me anyway. I am much less interested in right circumstances than in right responses to whatever comes your way.”
(Based on John 16:33 and Psalm 112:4,7)
I pray you would feel God’s presence with you as you go through each day!
enspire balance 