As I opened the shades in my bedroom this morning, I was greeted by several pink roses through my window. They had bloomed, what seemed like, overnight. I spent a moment studying all the new blossoms, and concluded that although I felt down in spirit, the idea that even overnight blooms are trying to spring forth brought a sense of encouragement and hope. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? Well, wait, actually I know who does.
We could talk of how God’s ways are not our ways, or that He sees the beginning from the end, so, okay, let’s.
Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways.” This is the Lord’s declaration. “For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 46:10 says, “I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: My plan will take place, and I will do all My will.
So, the obvious conclusion is that God knows all that is to come, and He has authority and control over all. Now with that said, the reframing of that same conclusion is the simple statement, “He does – we do not”. It sounds like just repeating and simplifying, but it is a freeing shift of perspective. If I do not have the accurate knowledge, authority, or control, it frees me from having to get downtrodden or upset when stuff happens. People say, “don’t feel bad, it was out of your control”, but the reality is that all of it is out of my control.
I am not saying we should just throw our hands up, shrug, and say “What’s the point”… hello book of Ecclesiastes. But consider Solomon for a moment. In his waxing and waning devotion to God, his writing and emotions followed suit and it is evident where he found himself in his faith when reading them (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs). Yes, he had wisdom. Yes, he had power, and control over a kingdom. Yes, he did some mighty and wonderful things for the glory of the Kingdom. However, he was not steadfast. His belief faltered (as is human), yet he chose to let his emotions and actions follow. He seemed to have too much belief in himself, and let it tread into the space of the vast characteristics of God.
Now look at his father, David. He also had power and control. He was a “man after God’s own heart”. But it is his steadfastness and devotion to the Lord that can be clearly seen in all his writings (much of Psalms). Even in all his emotional and physical turmoil… and if you haven’t read it you should, it makes you feel like anxiety and depression is clearly understood by this man… he still chose to praise the Lord. He would weep and feel distressed, and one could only assume (if you’ve ever wept or been distressed) he probably wanted to wallow in the misery. Yet instead, he would literally have a talk with himself, and remind himself upon whom his faith relies. How well that serves in times of struggle!
Today, I feel sad. Depressed almost. But I will take heart. My faith is in the only One who knows all things, can do all things, and created all things. I trust that he loves me more that I can possibly fathom, and I will lean in. The more I say it, the more I feel it to be true.
Psalm 143: 8-10
“Let me experience your faithful love in the morning, for I trust in you. Reveal to me the way I should go because I trust in you. Rescue me from my enemies, LORD; I come to you for protection. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me on level ground.” AMEN!!!
Prayers and Petition 