Every once in a while God just reminds me of the basic, simple stuff of life.
Yes, a lot of the time life here is complicated and it seems like we just can't handle one more thing to be piled up on us. My good friend and co-worker, Vern, is going through one of those seasons with his wife, Carol, right now. I won't go into all the details, but it just seems that they have had more than their fair share of struggles, battles, issues, etc. I had the honor of praying with and encouraging him before they left this week for another situation in their lives.
Sometimes it never seems to be enough to say that God is in control, that God knows what is best for us and our loved ones in times like these. We want to know that all is going to be okay. The hard part about that is we are looking for what we want instead of what God wants. That's a hard concept to grasp - His will over mine - especially in times of life and death situations.
As I study His Word, I find it interesting and encouraging that whenever one of God's people was in a situation (King David, Abraham, Moses, Peter, Paul, etc.), they worshipped. I don't just mean they went out and sang a song - that is a PART of worship, not all of it. They went to God and prayed, sang, cried out to Him - they worshipped the One who was in control. Then they talked to God about the stuff they were dealing with and needing guidance in. It's interesting how worry never really played a part!
Worship or worry - the choice is ours every day and in every situation. When you're faced with uncertainty for a job, a health 'scare', a relationship struggle, legal stuff, depression - whatever it might be, next time stop and praise God for who He is in your life - Redeemer, Savior, hope, comforter and friend, true source of strength. Thank Him for what you DO have, for who you have in your life and the provisions He has already given you. THEN, bring your concern, request as scripture calls it, to Him and ask for His will to be done. Trust me, I know it's not always (or ever!) easy to ask for His will over ours. But that's a part of genuine worship. It's all for Him and to Him.
Find a place and simply worship Him. Then let the love, grace and peace of God fill you to overflowing! Know that I am praying for you...
1 comment:
Karl - Thanks for this post. It is challenging, makes you think/evaluate your perspective, but most importantly, puts the focus back to God where it needs to be. This was worth the reading.
Post a Comment