Transformational Thought
God never promised us days without pain, laughter without sorrow, or sun without rain. But He did promise strength to get through each day, comfort for the tears, and a light(house) to guide your way. As you provide care, comfort, energy, finances or support for an aging parent, or a disabled family member, a young child, or a friend in need, God is the only place to turn for lasting strength and hope.
Even though you might not find answers for the reasons you and your family face difficult challenges, if you seek God, you will definitely find Him. He promises to hear your prayers and meet your needs. He is your source. He is the One who will make the impossible, possible. He has so much for us. But you see we have to look in the right places. The answers and peace He has specifically for you won’t be found in a bar, in food, an affair, money, pornography, our kids, status, our health, or anything else on this earth.
One of our biggest faults is gullibility – being tricked to look in the wrong places or to the wrong items of this world for peace. Amazingly, after looking in those wrong places, we are surprised we can’t find the peace and long term comfort we so desire. We wonder where to find His love, comfort, peace, grace, forgiveness, or instruction. Why is it a surprise that we need to look into His places … spend time with Him, talk to Him, listen to Him, go to His instruction manual – the Holy Bible. These are the places where peace and all the trimmings are found. Don’t go to a grocery store for basketball tips and wonder why there are none to be found. It’s very basic but we are frequently fooled.
I mistakenly look at myself for answers, rather than all God’s provisions. Oftentimes, my initial reaction is to do as much as I can. God did give me the gift of problem solving. So I get after the problem with gusto. Then, feeling frustrated and having reached the end of my resources and skills, I call on God. Unfortunately, I have thing in the wrong order. I need to attack the problem by seeking God first, then being a good steward of my skills.
Too often, we exhaust ourselves with our own efforts before we ask God for His help and provision. We focus on the need and become overwhelmed by it. God wants us to pray to Him for the strength, wisdom, and resources to accomplish His will. He will help us. He does deliver.
Today, when you have difficult circumstances, notice whether you feel His peace and comfort. If so, that’s awesome. Give thanks and don’t take it for granted. If you aren’t feeling it, then examine where you look or where you turn for support in times of stress. Your problem is, most likely, you aren’t looking in the right place. Take time to meditate on God’s Word. The Bible has a great deal to say about adversity and challenges. You will find guidance, strength and hope. Open your Bible and spend quiet time with God every day. No matter how busy you are, determine to set aside that special time with Him. And remember that He is with you every moment of the day. Whether you look to God and the places He puts the peace that Christ already purchased, or you go to the “bait and switch” stores of this world to pay a steep price for a bogus peace is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, at times I get so weary, physically and emotionally. Sometimes I find myself turning everywhere else for help … coming up empty before coming to You. Help me remember to always come to You first, that You will show me the next steps. I know that You are truly my source of strength. You have so many promises for me and You have always been faithful to deliver on them. Help me remember this truth when my lenses get stressed and fuzzy. I want to look to You, and not to cheap imitations for my peace and comfort. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who is my ultimate Rock, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:31-34