Monday Musings ~ 3 transforming truths

I have mentioned the study that I am doing, Discovery:  God's Answers to our Deepest Questions by Will Wyatt, several times.  One of favorite chapters in the study is the one we did last week.  It is on difficult circumstances.  When I think back on all the things I learned that summer after my sophomore year in college - this one stands out as a truly transforming truth.  It has impacted me every day since that time and as I read through these truths again, I realized how critical this has been in shaping my life.

Life circumstances can be very challenging.  If we are ruled by them, we buy a ticket to jump on a very LONG roller coaster ride.

I think it would look something like this.

I think we would often feel like this!

We would also experience some of this with others in our lives.

And sometimes, we would just revel in the sheer joy of it.

Being on a roller coaster can be fun, but realistically, no one wants to live on one.  How do we find a steadying influence on our lives so that we can choose to get off of this roller coaster?

My answer would be in these three facts that can revolutionize your life forever.  Ready . . .

God loves you.

God is Good.

God is in control.

Really? That seems rather simplistic!  Actually, it is very profound.  Will writes, "God is good to us and does give us things that bring us joy, comfort, and pleasure.  But He has a far greater gift for us than just giving us what we want all the time.  His gift is to transform us, to change us on the inside.  He will not give us aspirin for a brain tumor or a heart condition.  He wants to do major spiritual surgery.  He wants to deal with the attitudes deep within us -- the essence of who we are and why we act the way we do, because this has eternal significance."

Why is it so hard to trust God in every circumstance?

We tend to focus on the circumstance itself in stead of focusing on the Master of every circumstance.  We tend to say, "Why me?" instead of "What can I learn here?" or "How does the Lord want to use this to refine me?"  or "Why not me?"

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

As I have rested in the three truths listed above, I have found the words of this scripture to ring true in my life.  As I let go of worry and allow the Lord to shape those worries into prayers that are presented with a thankful heart, I experience God's peace in a profound way.  He truly does guard my heart and my mind.  His peace becomes the fabric of my life, independent of my circumstances.

There have been and will continue to be a lot about my life that I do not understand.  God promises to give me peace - but I do not always have understanding of my circumstances or the circumstances of those I love.  But -- He does promise me peace and the ability to keep trusting Him with each and every struggle.  Jesus, who is my peace, lives within me.  As I abide in Him - I am abiding in the presence of Peace Himself.

The ability to totally trust God in every circumstance does not develop overnight.  It has been a process in my life and it is still in process.  The more I trust the Lord and believe that He loves me, that He is good and that He is in control, the more I can trust Him with the next thing.  He has proven to me over and over again that He is indeed trustworthy. His love for me never fails.  I have come to rest in and even revel in His control over my life.  I can do that, because I am convinced of His goodness.

Do you see how these three things are so life changing?

What heavy load are you carrying?  What circumstances, emotions or attitudes in your life are holding you back?

Our problems are His opportunities.  Sounds cliche - doesn't it?  Nevertheless - it is true.

"In our problems, God has the opportunity to show us how much He loves us and wants to serve us, that He is in control of circumstances and that He can change our habits, emotions, and attitudes.  Give God your heavy loads now, so you can fully experience the love and peace He wants to shower upon you!"

If I could give you a gift - it would be these three truths for you to open, take in and rest in.  Other than our salvation - these three truths have the greatest power to transform your life and to give you JOY in every circumstance.  

Go ahead - the gift is yours for the taking.