Sometimes I think in many ways I am my own worst enemy. I have a tendency to think and dwell on things too much. I wish sometimes my mind had an off switch.
I guess by nature I am somewhat anxious. I come by it honestly. I envy people who can just let things roll off their shoulders and trust that everything will work out.
One of the things that has been plaguing my mind is the idea of injustice. What I mean in particular is watching people live the way they want to live without regard for God, and yet they seem to have the things in life they want.
I was reading in Jeremiah 12 last night where he questions God's justice. "Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?" My heart and mind cannot reckon this. I completely identify with Jeremiah. It saddens me to watch people prosper who do not live the way God wants us to. I don't mean to sound like I am looking down on people who are not as good as me, because I have my own hangups in my walk with God.
I guess what struck me in looking at Jeremiah is God's response to the whys. He doesn't offer an answer specifically to those questions. Maybe he didn't think he needed to answer whys. I've learned that he rarely, if ever, does. That is his perogative, after all he is God.
I have lots of why questions, and I can make myself CRAZY thinking about them but never find an answer. What I am reminded of are the promises God makes to me about living faithfully.
"Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous." Prov 13:21
"A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble." Prov. 17:20
"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Prov 28:13
"A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper." Prov. 29:25
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Heb 10:23
"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Heb 10:36
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Heb 11:9
God is faithful to his promises, so I have to trust that he has and will bring about those things in my own life. I guess my problem is the waiting!
"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:13-14
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
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5 comments:
I understand completely! And the "whys" will indeed make you crazy. For myself, over the last year, or perhaps years, I have learned to not ask "Why?" so much anymore. It has brought me a great amount of peace; not that it was easy to do or that I live "why?"-free. I still have plenty of "whys". It just has become a great comfort to not need to know why about the things going on or not going on in my life. God knows why, and more and more that is becoming enough for me. My prayer for you is that you will be able to let go of the "whys" and leave them to Him. He is doing great things for you, with you, in you, and through you. Your harvest IS coming. Know how I love you and pray for you each and every day. I am confident that I will see the goodness of the Lord on this side in your life, goodness that will surpass the need to know why.
ME TOO! I'm a dweller! I dwell on things too much also. This past week I broke out like a teenager in puberty dwelling on all of the WHY'S.
I remeber one time though a pastor friend of mine said this about the wicked "the only reward they will receive is the one they are enjoying right here." Christ promised us that we would have trouble, but He went on to say "But take heart I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) I think He wanted us to hear that second part so we would not walk in discouragement.
Take heart Sarah, Christ has gone before and He is with you now. And you are more than a conquerer. I whole heartedly agree with Lisa, we WILL see the goodness of the Lord in your life this side of heaven.
And when you want to dwell just remember--Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
If you need someone to remind you of that just give me a call, I most certainly need to repeat it to myself more often. Love you friend.
The answer for me is: do we want the material things of this world, or do we want the promise of Heaven if we do God's will here on earth. The latter is so much better, and that seems easy enough for us but not for the wicked and faithless. I have total FAITH in our Lord Jesus Christ and totally TRUST God and his infinite Grace and Mercy. Mom
If only it were that simple and painless.......
I can "why" about things that seem unjust forever and still not understand. I know that God will settle all scores..if not in my lifetime, then certainly on the last day. I have to remind myself that the Maker of the Universe loves ME and knows the plans He has for me..and they are GOOD!!
I pray so often for you Sarah...may God help you find that off switch (at least every now and then!) Love you!
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