He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.’Psalm 46:10 (New International Version)
I have so many reasons to be thankful. Summer has been very busy and full of fun with family and friends. Thank You, Lord!
And yet, I struggle with feelings of sadness and wrestle with questions about the suffering of those dear to me as well as those I have not even met.
God has given me a heart that can feel the pain of others, and I praise Him for that. When things are going my way, may I never lose that compassion for others that He’s placed within me. May I not ignore their struggles.
But it is also sometimes hard not to allow the sorrows in this world to weigh so heavily on me that I become despondent. I want to enjoy and praise God for my many blessings, but part of me is so troubled for others that I can’t seem to function or accomplish anything for good.
Lately, God has been speaking to my heart about this, reminding me that HE deserves all my love and attention. Although He desires for me to have a heart for others and share His love with all those around me, neither my nor their happiness should be my main focus. Praising God and giving Him glory should be my top priority.
Life is not about getting what we want and being happy. And yet, ironically, the more we focus on Him, the more joy we have. The closer we draw to Him, the more we can love and help others.
God is the creator and ruler of this world, more powerful and mighty than we can comprehend. And yet, He died for each and every one of us so He could have a personal relationship with us. Therefore, in my deepest hours and always, I must be still and meditate on the fact that He loves me more than anyone else possibly could and that He deserves my time and love back.
I may not understand why pain and loss exist, but I must not let them cripple me to the point that I can’t exalt Him and allow Him to use me to help others. At the end of the day, what is important is that I focus on Him and let Him guide and direct my steps.
Instead of sulking at my own real or perceived hardships or at the pain I see in others’ lives, I will pray for God to give me the strength to be a beacon of hope and a ray of sunshine to them and that I point them to Him.
May I remember that this life isn’t about me being happy. God promised me a lot (eternal life, peace, hope,…), but He never said life here on earth would be pain-free. May I remember that this life isn’t about me; it’s about God receiving all the glory.
Lord, You know my heart. I praise You for the countless blessings you give me each and every day. All the joy I have is due to You and Your precious gift of salvation. When I am overwhelmed by the troubles of this world (whether my own or others’), help me to remember that this life is not about our comfort and happiness. This life is about bringing glory to You. Help me to be still and remember that You are God. Direct my thoughts and deeds so that I can be what You want me to be. Help me to touch the lives of those around me, and give You all the glory. – Amen.
