Has anyone else ever considered how crazy life can be? I shared a list of things my family had been dealing with in the past few months in a recent blog. I can now add an unexpected dental visit for myself as I’ve somehow managed to lose a filling in one of my teeth. I literally began laughing, quite loudly, when my wife told me what she saw. By this point, my pitiful little credit card is bleeding from the pressure it has received. Years ago if I had gone through a season like this I would have been so utterly stressed I probably would have had a mild heart attack by now (those closest to me can attest to this). Honestly, I’m not sure when it happened but, somewhere along the way, I’m learned to shrug my shoulders and just press on. I deal with things as best I can but I’m never going to be prepared for everything that happens nor for every curve ball life throws. I liken it to a roller coaster ride on one of those old wooden roller coasters from my childhood. Like life, these coasters offer a mostly enjoyable experience but have a tendency to shake us around leaving a mild case of whiplash when those sharp turns surprise us. The up’s and down’s of the coaster, while fun in certain seasons, can cause nausea in other seasons. I’ve always enjoyed roller coaster rides. But, I learned early on, if I’ve just eaten, happen to be a little sick, or any number of unexpected stimuli that roller coaster ride can turn into a ride of terror.
Life changes. Just when we think we have things figured out someone changes the rules. It can be frustrating. Our smooth ride turns into a tire that has blown out and needs to be changed. Our perfectly functioning home can be thrown into chaos in a matter of seconds. Things happen. The world is constantly changing. Sometimes it feels like life is dancing on our nearly dead corpse. But here’s the hope we have; His word and promises never change. He never changes. Just a few scriptures I wanted to share that bring me encouragement–“Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” [Heb. 13:8] Even when things seem chaotic, He is unchanging. He is constant. “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” [Ps. 30:5] Praise God for this one! Eventually the sun WILL shine again. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Eventually, the pain of that hurt will wane. Our morning will come! Just wait for it. “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” [Ps. 37:25] Praise God! Even when I feel alone, He’s right there fighting for me and taking care of me. As long as I’m His, I’ll never be alone, forsaken, or forgotten. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” [John 14:27] Thank you, Heavenly Father! Even in those fearful and tumultuous moments, His peace is there waiting. We simply have to accept it and walk in that promise. [Even when I’m waiting for that dentist to begin drilling in my mouth—Oh Lord, I accept your peace! Ha, ha!]
Closing remarks and encouragement: Don’t grow weary! Keep pressing forward! Those terrible seasons creep up out of nowhere……but they eventually pass! Storms may leave damage but we WILL make it through it. Just hold on, my friends! Just hold on!!!
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