Life can also be this way for many, seeming to have no
control once you’ve stepped into it. As a result, there are some who go for the
ride kicking and screaming (maybe even enjoying it for a while), and others still
who seek to hide and escape. Whether the ride is of our own doing, the impact of
others, or circumstance, life is challenging and stuff happens. And how we deal
with those challenges is very important.
God tells us through His Word that there is so much more
than just these two options. He offers both help and hope for the turmoil and
strength for the journey. Our lives are not an out-of-control coaster ride,
rather we have a God who frames up and limits everything. He knows our
limitations and He gives us the strength to endure. He also knows our fears and
He gives us the strength to face them.
In Proverbs 4:20-23 we read, “My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear
to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your
heart. For
they are life to those who find them and health to all their body. Watch over your
heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.”
An unguarded heart is a volatile heart. It is subject to
every wind or whim, and it can lead to a life that is more volatile than the
greatest roller coaster ride on one extreme or becoming more distant than hiding
in the darkest of closets on the other. The instruction to watch over it with
all diligence is an important instruction, but there needs to be a framework to
that watching, and that framework is found in having a relationship with the
living God through salvation in His Son and being led by His Spirit firmly grounded in His Word.
In verses 25 and 26 of Proverbs 4 we go on to read, “Let your eyes look directly ahead and let
your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet and all your
ways will be established.” And in looking straight ahead, we are told to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the
author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the
cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of
God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
Resist the temptation to ride the roller coaster, unless it is at an amusement park. And don't retreat to the closet, unless it is to get quiet with God. Set your eyes on Jesus, hide His word in your heart, and trust Him to help you navigate through the difficult things in your life.
Resist the temptation to ride the roller coaster, unless it is at an amusement park. And don't retreat to the closet, unless it is to get quiet with God. Set your eyes on Jesus, hide His word in your heart, and trust Him to help you navigate through the difficult things in your life.
No comments:
Post a Comment