I don't know about you, but I am especially thankful these days whenever I am able to find a bit of shade to avoid the heat from the sun. The temperature has been over 100 degrees for some time now, and combined with the severe drought, it feels especially hot. Adding to the tension that comes from being hot and thirsty, there are several wild fires in the area, making the air quality nearly unbearable. The desire to grumble and complain parades itself boldly before me, taunting me with the "if only's" and the "should have's." There's nothing like feeling uncomfortable to make one want to pull out the list of wrongs that make our life seem miserable.
But don't!
Life is filled with difficulties and unpleasantness, and rehearsing them only makes us feel that much more miserable. Grumbling comes naturally to most human beings, and when you can get someone to acknowledge your complaint, then you might even have the opportunity to play the "whose life is more miserable" game. (Sarcasm intended).
Yet, what's the gain?
Do you feel better or worse about your situation?
Now don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying that there is never any reason to feel frustrated with life. We are, after all, human beings working our way through this maze called life. There are dead ends and false leads, and numerous difficulties that can easily distract us from our purpose...which is to give God glory. But press on with courage and hope. He has never forsaken His children, nor will He ever. We can rest confidently in the knowledge that nothing comes to us that hasn't already been filtered through His very loving hands. We may feel uncomfortable in a current situation, but He has a purpose and plan in everything He does. (If you've never read the book of JOB I highly recommend it. You will see that Satan had to have God's permission to pester Job).
Look for the blessings and offer God thanks for each one you find. If you can't see any, ask Him to open your eyes to the numerous ways He has blessed you. Stay true to the path He's placed before you, no matter how difficult it might seem at the moment.
Trust Him to see you through, because once you've passed through the narrow place, having had to release some of the baggage that was hindering your progress, you will find you are walking more upright and with greater strength. The burden was heavy for a moment, but it made you stronger. It may have seemed like the passageway into the future became more narrow, but it caused you to let go of things that kept you from moving forward. You wouldn't turn around and pick up the things you discarded along the way because you discovered they're useless, and they made traveling difficult.
It's that same with our attitude about the difficulties we encounter in life.
Philippians 4:8-10 reminds us to think on the things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, any virtue and anything praiseworthy. And with good reason. These are the things that take our eyes and mind off the negative, and help us to focus on the blessings God has lavished on us each and every day.
And doesn't that just make you want to dance?
So be careful my friends. Remember we are on a journey, we have been given a task, and given everything we need to complete that task with joy.
May God grant you the eyes see what you need to see so that you may always give Him the praise and glory He's due.
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"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual host of wickedness in heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking up the shield o:12-18f faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword o the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Sprit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." Ephesians 6
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