The night sky above me is spangled with millions of points of light. It is hard to believe that each of those tiny specks of light is a star, some of them hundreds of thousands of miles across. As I gaze up from the ground where I’m lying, contemplating these heavenly decorations, it strikes me how self-important and ego-centric man is. After all, the earth is just a tiny piece of matter orbiting a small star, one of hundreds of millions in the galaxy we call home. The galaxy in which we live is just one of hundreds of millions in a universe of which we have only begun to understand the immensity. Yet most people rush hither and thither, without a second thought to the universe which lies beyond the blue curtain of our atmosphere, so intent on their business that they never notice the twinkling display of lights that come out every evening.
Recently the Lord has been teaching me a lot about waiting for His timing. Much as an engine must have the correct timing to function optimally, so our lives must be aligned with His timing in order to be the best; that is, what God really desires for us. Remember that saying, the one that says, “What is God’s best may not seem like the best?” While that is true, we may rest in the assurance that whatever God ordains for us is the best that He has for us. It may not seem like the best situation humanly speaking, but if we look at it as a learning experience, and allow the Lord to teach us through it, He has promised that “…all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, KJV) That promise has become very real to me over the last couple weeks, because I’ve been through some things that have made it very hard for me to see where the good is in them. I’ve learned by experience that life is not a bed of roses…there are struggles, trials, and difficulties that arise. Still, I’m learning that in spite of all these things, life is still very, very good.
Isaiah 26:3 & 4 have become very real and comforting to me during this time as well. There, Isaiah writes, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:” These verses are a command and a promise that are still in effect today: if we trust in the LORD, He will keep us in perfect peace. The condition is that we stay our minds on HIM. If our minds are stayed on the stock market, or the political debauchery apparent in our government, or the financial woes that face our country at the moment, we will not have peace, nor has God promised to give us peace. The only time God has promised to give us peace is when our minds are stayed on Him, when He is our focus, and our goal in life is to honor and glorify Him through everything that we do.
God has taught me a lot this year, but one thing I’ve learned is that I cannot afford to live based on my feelings. If I do, I’ll always be unstable, wandering aimlessly through life with no direction, no purpose except being happy. That sort of life is absolutely miserable!
I’m learning that the best thing for me often is the hardest thing to do at the present time. It seems that everything good for you has to be at least slightly difficult! Oh well…at least I know where I’m going, what I’m doing, and why. Thousands of people wake up everyday searching for the answers to those three questions. I’m learning to leave the answers to God, and just enjoy what He brings. Trust me, it’s a process…it’s pretty hard to enjoy everything that He brings. Recently, God has been testing my patience and determination, as well as my ability to persevere despite being misunderstood by some people who are very important in my life. Not my parents, but some other folks who are nearly as important to me.
Well, I guess this is another year. We shall see what the Lord has to teach me this year. I must say, I’m excited to see what lessons are ahead. I know that life is difficult…but I’m starting to learn to enjoy myself despite the difficulties.
Growing up is a painful process, but it’s also necessary. Being stretched is also painful, but it makes us stronger. I believe I shall address these topics in my next post. Coming soon…..
Growing Pains
The Southern Voice 