May 15, 2020
Do you ever feel like life is attacking you? You just want to double over and cover your head and surrender to the madness? I’ve had days like that. I’ve had weeks and months like that. “Come on, Lord, can’t a girl catch a break here?” Some days start out peacefully enough, with a cloudless blue sky, a warm gentle breeze and birds singing in the trees… I’m just walking along the path of my day when, PLOP, suddenly one of the singing birds poops on me. I look up in disgust at the offending bird and notice that the sky has clouded up. A big rain drop hits me right in the eye. And before I know it, it’s pouring rain and the gentle breeze has become a howling wind. Just like that, the day has gone from beautiful and peaceful to ugly and aggravating. If problems are rain drops, then God and His promises are our umbrella. If it never rained, we’d have no need for an umbrella, and we can’t go around thinking we don’t need God. I used to really let myself feel bitter about these turns of events, these sudden downpours of stressful situations. “Why can’t I ever just have a perfect day? (Waa Waa!) (insert sad emoji here) Sometimes I still do give into “the madness” and waste a lot of time with a “Why me?” attitude. But this verse helps me change my viewpoint. James 1:2-3 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” Steadfast means firm in belief, determination or adherence. It means loyal. That verse truly means that every problem is an opportunity for our faith to grow. (My faith should be the Jolly Green Giant, by now.) We become more loyal followers of God when we lean on Him. So, thank you God for problems, because they remind me that I need you. Thank you, God, for rain, because without it there would be no flowers. John 16:33 in The Message version of the Bible: “I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” Keep your umbrella handy! Smile and be joyful!
Do you ever feel like life is attacking you? You just want to double over and cover your head and surrender to the madness? I’ve had days like that. I’ve had weeks and months like that. “Come on, Lord, can’t a girl catch a break here?” Some days start out peacefully enough, with a cloudless blue sky, a warm gentle breeze and birds singing in the trees… I’m just walking along the path of my day when, PLOP, suddenly one of the singing birds poops on me. I look up in disgust at the offending bird and notice that the sky has clouded up. A big rain drop hits me right in the eye. And before I know it, it’s pouring rain and the gentle breeze has become a howling wind. Just like that, the day has gone from beautiful and peaceful to ugly and aggravating. If problems are rain drops, then God and His promises are our umbrella. If it never rained, we’d have no need for an umbrella, and we can’t go around thinking we don’t need God. I used to really let myself feel bitter about these turns of events, these sudden downpours of stressful situations. “Why can’t I ever just have a perfect day? (Waa Waa!) (insert sad emoji here) Sometimes I still do give into “the madness” and waste a lot of time with a “Why me?” attitude. But this verse helps me change my viewpoint. James 1:2-3 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” Steadfast means firm in belief, determination or adherence. It means loyal. That verse truly means that every problem is an opportunity for our faith to grow. (My faith should be the Jolly Green Giant, by now.) We become more loyal followers of God when we lean on Him. So, thank you God for problems, because they remind me that I need you. Thank you, God, for rain, because without it there would be no flowers. John 16:33 in The Message version of the Bible: “I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” Keep your umbrella handy! Smile and be joyful!
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