Have you noticed lately that there are a lot more crabby people in the world right now?
I don’t know about you but it seems wherever I go there is someone fussing about something. Whether it’s snarky opinions left on a generally innocuous “mommy blog,” debates over the latest religious/political issue on Facebook, or the overall dissatisfaction of “doing life during the recession” many people are in a perpetual bad mood. Not that it’s hard to understand. High unemployment, struggling families trying to make ends meet, and divisive issues eventually take their toll on even the most cheerful of souls.
It’s tempting to join in the chorus of complaints or to adopt the grumbling attitude of those around us but I encourage you to stop and consider the possibility that this time of great stress can also be a time of great harvest as Christians walk day by day in humility, treating all of our neighbors with kindness (even the really annoying ones) and emphasizing faith in our God who provides for our needs. As Christians we know that God never promises life will be easy. However, we do have the assurance that no matter what happens we can count on God to see us through all things.
In John 16:33 Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Additionally, during His Sermon on the Mount Jesus reminds us not to worry but to trust God.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” —Matthew 6:25-34
Did you catch that last part? Seek God first in everything (even stuff that seems unimportant) and don’t worry about tomorrow! Honestly, that is the key to staying positive … and more importantly peaceful … at all times. Is it easy?
Nope.
However, God’s Holy Spirit will help us if we lean onto Him every day. He will teach us what it means to be more like Jesus, finding contentment in all circumstances. He will respond to us as we pray, trust, and follow Jesus. Imagine the hope such a steadfast peace could offer to those who witness authentic relationship with God through Christ in the eye of the storm. The world around us may be crabby but as Christians we don’t have to be. I say it’s time to stop listening to the depressing opinions of our neighbors, and the world in general, and follow Jesus instead.
After all, “…my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19) … if we will only give Him half a chance.
Copyright © by Kristine McGuire | 0 comments
