Waiting can often lead to restlessness and even anxiety.
There is something about uncertainty that can easily leave us wanting. This is
true for both good expectations and bad ones. It is frequently not as much the
expectations as it is how much we tie ourselves to them and where our ‘hopes’
or even our ‘hope not’s’ are established.
As I read through the Bible, and particularly the words of
the apostles, I read a lot about them hoping to do this or that or to go here
or there, but every single one of these hopes is based in their relationship with
Jesus Christ and their submission to His will. They hoped these things knowing
that God was the one who would ultimately bring those hopes to pass according
to His will, and should He do otherwise they were content with that. This is
because they lived seeking to align their desires with those of God, and they
lived in trust of Him for their daily provision, direction, and even their
words.
Paul spoke of living this kind of life throughout his
letters. In Colossians we read, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the
Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith,
just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:6–7, ESV) … “If
then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where
Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are
above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is
hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also
will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4, ESV) … “And let the peace of
Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be
thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing
one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with
thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do
everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father
through him.” (Colossians 3:15–17, ESV)
When we focus and fret over our daily needs we lose sight of
our God who meets those needs. It is very difficult to not let these pressures
put the squeeze on us as their presence is so real, but it is important that we
not view these pressures bigger than they really are. Even the biggest anxiety
inducer here in this life pales in comparison to the size, power, goodness, and
faithfulness of our God. God may not step in and miraculously solve every
issue, but He has promised that He would strengthen us to endure whatever trial
might come our way. It is in this, as in all things, that we are called to
firmly fix our eyes on God
I know I’ve shared this before, but this following paraphrase
of 1 Corinthians 10:13 is a reminder to me as I move through my day to set my
hope in God and not in the desired outcomes of my circumstances.
“There is no test, no trial, no temptation
to sin, no pushing, pulling, prodding, or anything else that comes my way that
makes me any different than anyone else. We all experience these things, maybe
in different ways and at times to different degrees, but I am no different than
anyone else.
“BUT GOD…. He is always faithful in all
things. With every trial, test, or temptation—no matter how big or how small;
with all of these things He has set a limit to them. He will not allow anything
into my life beyond which He also has not given the ability to victoriously
endure. With every single test, trial, and temptation He has provided a way of
escape, and He will keep me from being crushed, and He will bring me out
standing on the other side. This is true whether that other side is realized in
this life or ultimately in His presence. This is a certain fact.
“Therefore, I will place my trust in Him
and look not to the size of the situation, BUT to the size and faithfulness of
my GOD.” [Joe Burgess]
Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (9/27)
Relax in My everlasting arms. Your weakness is an
opportunity to grow in awareness of My Almighty Presence. When your energy
fails you, do not look inward and lament the lack you find there. Look to Me
and My sufficiency; rejoice in My radiant riches that are abundantly available
to help you.
Go gently through this day, leaning on Me and enjoying My
Presence. Thank Me for your neediness, which is building trust-bonds between
us. If you look back on your journey thus far, you can see that days of extreme
weakness have been some of your most precious times. Memories of these days are
richly interwoven with golden strands of My intimate Presence.
“The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the
everlasting arms; and He drove out the enemy from before you, and said,
‘Destroy!’” (Deuteronomy 33:27, NASB95)
“I would have despaired unless I had believed
that I would see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord;
be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:13–14, NASB95)
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