But the devotional then went on to say that my assignment
was to trust God absolutely (which I already knew of course), and this I could
embrace, though I must admit some things were a little more difficult than
others to hand over (as if they really were in my hands in the first place). I’m
sure that just as my days are sometimes a mixed bag of joys and struggles, so
are many others. In fact, in a morning sermon today I heard a statistic that most
people experience two crises a year (or at least I think (hope) he said ‘year’).
Then he asked the congregation if we had met our quota yet. As I looked around
me, I felt it safe to say that many (like myself) had done so, with several
being right in the middle of one (or more). That verse in the Bible that says
in this world we will have troubles really isn’t one that would be difficult for
us to prove correct.
BUT GOD, He is absolutely in control of the entirety of our
lives and every circumstance that He allows into them. He is good and He is
faithful. While we may not be ‘happy’ about the struggles, we can find joy in
knowing that God is busy at work and that He does not fail. We can trust Him
absolutely even when things don’t make sense or match up with our plans,
knowing that His plans for us are perfect and they include perfecting us
through our various troubles.
James tells us, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you
meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith
produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you
may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2–4, ESV)
And the apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians wrote,
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4,
NASB95)
The joy that we are to consider a reality is the same Greek
word as the rejoicing that we are to do, and the certainty that God is working for
our perfect maturity is the same certainty in which we can come to Him
rejoicing. In Philippians 4 the verses that follow Paul’s instruction to
rejoice deal with our tendency to be anxious and they give instructions as to
what we are to do when we are anxious, which is to come before God in thankful
prayer with the confidence that He will work what is His absolute best even if
it really hurts in the process. While we don’t see everything clearly, He
clearly does and in this we can trust Him, know joy, and rejoice.
“Trust in the Lord
with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways
acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your
own eyes; fear the Lord and turn
away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.”
(Proverbs 3:5–8, NASB95)
Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (9/8)
Accept each day exactly as it comes to you. By that, I mean
not only the circumstances of your day but also the condition of your body.
Your assignment is to trust me absolutely, resting in My sovereignty and
faithfulness.
On some days, your circumstances and your physical condition
feel out of balance: The demands on you seem far greater than your strength.
Days like that present a choice between two alternatives—giving up or relying
on Me. Even if you wrongly choose the first alternative, I will not reject you.
You can turn to Me at any point, and I will help you crawl out of the mire of
discouragement. I will infuse My strength into you moment by moment, giving you
all that you need for this day. Trust Me, by relying on My empowering Presence.
“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become
disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of
His presence.” (Psalm 42:5, NASB95)
“For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He
lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will
live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.” (2 Corinthians
13:4, NASB95)
“For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who
languishes.” (Jeremiah 31:25, NASB95)
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