Our days are filled with much heartache and grief, disappointment and suffering. There’s much not as it should be. But God gives us a deep and enduring peace so that we’re not shaken despite our many trying circumstances.
It’s clear life is no cakewalk. There are many moments that take us to our edge and we’re ready to throw in the towel.
We’re stretched to the point of despair and it feels like one more ordeal will take us over the edge.
But then we remember God and once again place our hope and trust in him.
This doesn’t eliminate the hardships we still have to go through. But it does reframe our perspective and allows us to rest in the ultimate security and goodness of God.
With Paul, we might have trouble on every side, but we’re not crushed. Life knocks us down, but we’re not taken out.
Through all our suffering our spirits are still being renewed everyday. In fact, our troubles are considered small compared to the weight of glory being produced on the other side.
But our challenge is to keep our attention fixed on God.
Like Peter, all too often we take our eyes off Christ and begin to sink. We become overwhelmed and give into despair when we focus on our troubles more than God.
Again, this doesn’t mean we put our heads in the sand and refuse to accept the hardships we face.
But we face them rooted and grounded in God. And his presence gives us a peace that’s beyond understanding.
From the outside, it doesn’t make sense that we’re okay given our current circumstances.
But more than okay, our lives are filled with joy and gratitude regardless of the troubles we face.
Don’t let life’s difficulties take you out. Keep your eyes on God and let his peace fill your heart.
Photo by Joanna Nix-Walkup on Unsplash
