A Sudden Jolt
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 than food, and the body more 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? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers 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—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. Matthew 6:25-32
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:7-8
Insight
I'm the farthest thing from a thrill seeker. I like my feet firmly planted on the ground. As a kid, I settled for the merry-go-round instead of the rollercoaster. My dad eventually had enough of it and said we would tackle the fastest and tallest ride in the entire amusement park.
Even though the attendant locked the security bar in place, I felt far from secure. Not only was I utterly terrified, but I was also utterly blind because I didn't have my glasses on. Knowing that worry and fear were getting the best of me, my dad continued to remind me to enjoy the ride and that he was right by my side.
A sudden jolt blasted us to what felt like space. Everything in me wanted to pass out. I had a death grip on my dad's hand. He chuckled and said, "Tony.. it's okay. I'm here...open your eyes and enjoy the ride." Reluctantly, I did, and to my surprise, the fear lessened. I was having fun. Grinning from ear to ear, I soaked every second of that ride. So much so that I begged my dad to go again when we returned to the starting line.
Often, life feels like a roller coaster ride with all its twists and turns and highs and lows. It's up to us whether we face the journey with fear or faith. What determines our response is remembering who is by our side. No matter what is going on around us, God is with us. He promised never to leave or forsake us. God took it a step further and entered our mess through the life of Christ. And after Jesus conquered the grave, He left us the Holy Spirit, who provides us with wisdom and guidance. God lives within us. He's right by our side.
When we are overwhelmed and fearful, the Holy Spirit whispers, "I'm here...open your eyes and enjoy the ride." We can stand firm and be courageous in our current situation while facing the future with extreme confidence. The presence of God is where we find relief, contentment and even, joy.
The joy of the Lord is different than the happiness the world peddles. Happiness depends on perfect circumstances, while joy remains unshakable no matter the environment. The source of our joy determines the strength of our joy. And since His joy remains unlimited, it means we can walk courageously into the future, down the tracks that lead toward a vibrant life. Having experienced His faithfulness, we'll welcome each new day excited for another ride.
Reflection
How can you face difficult circumstances with a joyous response and spirit?
Prayer
God, I rest secure knowing not only are You with me, but that You provide me with wisdom and insight when the world doesn't make sense. I look to You and You alone to give me a joy that paves the way to contentment. Thank you for making known to me the path that leads to a full life. I pray that I would display the courage and faith to remain there. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.