Finding Peace When God Puts Things in Perspective

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7

The events of 2020 have been mind boggling to say the least. Despite my attempts to trust God and find rest in Him, at times these last few months I have found myself full of worry about the future…all kinds of questions rolling through my head and the feeling of grief over the loss of what we knew as our ‘normal’ lives.

What will life be like for our kids as they grow up?

What kind of example are our leaders setting? Feelings of astonishment and concern over the level of corruption in our political system.

…wondering how difficult it will be for Christians in the United States in the coming years. Feeling my God armor getting strengthened when I spend time with God and knowing He is preparing me for something. What?

So one day a few weeks ago I was troubled by these things. During my time with God that day I sat and listened in silence to see if He had a word for me about all that is going on or about anything really. What He showed me was very encouraging so I am passing it on to you.

God showed me a stage with a lot of people on it doing a performance. Then the performance was done and the curtain closed. He reminded me that our lives on earth are really very short just like a theater performance and that our real life is what will be in eternity. He reminded me that only what I do for eternity on earth will last. The possible pain and hardships that I experience here are short compared to forever in eternity with Him. I don’t need to fear anything about life on earth.

In the same way, God reminded me of how I felt in junior high and high school at times. I would wonder why I was not popular and felt sure something was wrong with me that I was not in the ‘in’ crowd. Well soon after high school ended I realized that all my worries about the in crowd were for nothing. I realized that I would have enjoyed those years of junior high and high school much better if I hadn’t worried about what others thought of me and if I had just been myself and enjoyed my life. During my time with God recently He showed me that I can enjoy this life on earth one day at a time, one enjoyable moment at a time, knowing that He has the future in His hands. Worry now, just like in junior high and high school, will amount to nothing but energy wasted. Even when things get tough, God is in control and there is always something to be thankful for. He told me just to enjoy this life, obey Him, shine bright for Him and let Him take care of the details. He is not surprised by anything. This time on earth will seem like a blip compared to eternity with Him.

I will run this race well, shine bright for God and radiate His Truth and light wherever I go. And when I don’t I will repent, get back up and try again with God’s mighty hand leading me one day at a time and His peace filling me. How about you? 

^“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:27

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30