It feels as though our world -- my own personal "world" included -- has been plagued with tons of trouble lately. I am finding myself needing to let go of the assumption that I should have an easy and pain-free life. This is the life I so strongly desire! I'll be honest, when something does come up to mess with that image, I always get caught off guard! But, really, I shouldn't.
"...In this world you WILL have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." ~ John 16:33b
Last night I was having a conversation with my beloved father-in-law. He and I were talking about the pain and loss that this world is facing. He is one of many who was recently laid off and is having to find a new job. We talked about the fact that somehow when we're in the valleys of life God seems so much closer to us. The reality is that we are the ones to draw closer to Him.
The mountain tops are truly wonderful, and yet we often find ourselves so self-sufficient when things are great. Put it in cruise control and go, go, go on our own!
So, here's encouragement coming from what Jesus might say to all of us who have been struggling and are walking through the valley right now:
Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life. Part of you is still hungering for the resolution of all difficulties. That is a false hope!...Link your hope not to problem solving in this life but to the promise of an eternity of problem-free life in heaven. Instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world, pour your energy into seeking Me: the Perfect One.
It is possible to enjoy Me and glorify Me in the midst of adverse circumstances. In fact, My light shines most brightly though believers who trust Me in the dark...When things seem all wrong, trust Me anyway.
~ From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
The first portion of the verse from John 16:33 really speaks to me today, " I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace."
So, the take away for me today is that I need to let go of my illusion that I deserve a problem-free life. And as I am walking through valleys, I can still find and be filled with peace even though I don't know where the valley leads. When I can't find the trail that will lead to the mountain top...all I have to do is take one step at a time and trust in Jesus. This is not easy. As Jesus said with His own words. But it sure is better to be able to come to Him, lean on Him and walk with Him together through the valleys than having a go with it on my own.
I sure don't enjoy the valleys, but believing that these valleys will not be forever, provides the hope I need to go on.
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