Daily Journal: 6 November

Getting Real

Life doesn’t always go according to plan. When it does, we’re happy, grateful, and maybe relieved.

People let us down. Circumstances don’t go our way. God does not always lead us the way we expect. We can often feel disappointed, even when we’re trying our best, doing what we think we should be doing.

It can seem wise to try and work things out and use our "common-sense" or look for justice for ourselves. But have we sought the Lord before we try and make a way for ourselves?

Proverbs 3:5-7 (GNT)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong.

Getting real about why we do things, about our motivation and attitude, helps us to reconcile our feelings and keep our trust in God, even when things fall apart.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NASB)

Even if the fig tree does not blossom,

And there is no fruit on the vines,

If the yield of the olive fails,

And the fields produce no food,

Even if the flock disappears from the fold,

And there are no cattle in the stalls,

Yet I will triumph in the Lord,

I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.

Of course, we want our lives to produce good fruit and we want to see increase and we want to be able to use our talents freely and fully. But when this doesn’t happen, despite our best efforts, getting real brings it back to one thing.

Rejoice in the Lord (NASB says triumph)

Serve others with gladness and a willing heart in whatever capacity is needed. At the end of the day, if we have our heart right and we’re looking to serve God with what we have, He is responsible for what happens next.

Galatians 5:13-14 (GWT)

You were indeed called to be free, brothers and sisters. Don’t turn this freedom into an excuse for your corrupt nature to express itself. Rather, serve each other through love. All of Moses’ Teachings are summarized in a single statement, “Love your neighbour as you love yourself.”

When things fall apart, what is your first response to God?

Lord, our responses don't always reflect the faith in you we say we profess, or the calm assurance that we would like to have when life becomes painful. Help us to always trust in you to provide the right way forward.