No one said life would be easy.

Good Tuesday morning and welcome to October 27, 2009. Surrounded by uncertainty, every single one of us are subject to the developments that often, without warning or notice, envelop our lives. Dealing with life’s surprises and especially the discouraging and disappointing can really wear on us. As I so often try to deal with challenges, I am reminded of what might be the toughest calling we have on our lives as believers. This has to do with how we respond to adversity and uncertainty as we seek God’s help. Here is a Holy Spirit inspired insight from the Apostle Paul, who knew a ton about adversity and hardship, and what he had to say about the demeanor and attitude we should have: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6 from the New American Standard Bible) When we are all tied up in knots and there’s a fire raging in our belly we often desire rescue and relief but we actually need truth as the basis for us being able to carry on. Just so you know, this verse is much easier to read than it is to put into practice!

We also have these word pictures from our Savior: “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? “And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? “And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.” Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:25-34, from the New American Standard Bible).

These truths are not frivolous and fun like the Bobby McFerrin song: “Don’t worry, Be Happy.” The verses reflect the truth of God’s Sovereign Presence and His provision in all facets of our lives, in the good times, the in-between times, and also during the bad. It’s not about us figuring out a way to artificially stir up our courage or finding a way to distract us from the reality of the troubles we face. It has to do with faith. Faith is believing and having confidence in God, regardless of the circumstances, and when we exercise faith in Him we are able to experience the peace that goes beyond human understanding. (See Philippians 4:7) The knowing and practicing of these truths creates dynamic tension against our natural panic inclinations as each of us are called upon to deal with the hurts, pains, and issues that accompany this life. Jesus said that us worrying about it will not change it; therefore, we should, instead, seek God early and often to help see us through our distressing circumstances. We can also pray for each other since we are all in this together. Amen. …..More later.