I know life is hard. It doesn't often go as expected. I know there are things we will never understand. I know planning is important, but I've also learned sometimes my plans fall apart. I know there will be pain and grief as days go by. I know it's also part of my past. I know there have been, are and will continue to be moments of frustration, conflict and worry.
As I wrestle with some of these realities in my own struggles of life, which really aren't that difficult in the big picture, and think about others living in the midst of the struggle as well, my thoughts run deeper. My heart hurts for a friend whose son attends UNC-Charlotte and had personal connections to the recent shooting. I hurt also for a friend whose sister was just diagnosed with cancer. My heart hurts in a bit of a different way thinking about all the moms preparing for their 'babies' upcoming graduation. I think about those ready to take that next step; I know it's fun and exciting, but I also know there's hard times that will accompany the good.
So we know these things, but what do we do? If viewed wrongly, it can leave us depressed and when viewed only, it becomes our focus. Thankfully, today as I my thoughts ran deep, the Holy Spirit reminded me of other things I know.
I know God is sovereign. He is the One in control. He has the power and authority. He knows all. When I don't understand, He does. He is truly incomprehensible, but He allows us to draw near and know Him more and more.
"Know therefore today, and take it to your heart, that the LORD, He is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other." Deuteronomy 4:39
I know God is faithful. When life is hard, pain overwhelms, frustration sets in or fear tries to overtake, it's helpful for me to reflect. All these things have happened before. This isn't the first time I've wondered what the future holds. But as I look back, I'm reminded of the One who holds, and knows, the future. God's walked me through some difficult, trying, unknown seasons in the past, I know He will do it again.
"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23
I know God is good. Life isn't always good, but God is. No matter how my circumstances change, He never does. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Things may not go like I planned or expect, but He will always be the same - my great God and good Father.
And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone." Luke 18:19
I know God is present. Relationships have a way of changing. Some friends enter our lives for a season; people come and go, but God is always here. There may be times He seems distant, but I'm the one who drifts. His Word instructs us to draw near and friend it also reminds us, He stands at the door and knocks. If, and when, we seek Him, He will be found.
"The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth." Psalm 145:18
I know God. This is truly the most important statement I can type and claim. Knowing these truths about God are good and important, but personally knowing Him is transforming. When the circumstances of life knock me down and waves of grief overwhelm, I know my Savior. When I have no control and don't know what to do, I know my Lord. When I've fallen short and need forgiveness, I know my Father. When I'm hurt or relationships are broken, I know the friend who laid down His life for me.
"so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God..." Colossians 1:10
Friend, today may our minds shift from the hard, painful realities we know about life to the One who gave us life. May what we don't know point us to the One who does. As days go by and we realize there's even more we don't know, may we get to know God better.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me of Truth. In the unknown, may I always remember what I do know and more importantly who I know. You are the perfecter of my faith, the One who is peace and my great God who works all things together for the good of those who love you. I love you Lord, help me trust You. In Jesus' Name, amen.
