Loves Me Still
September 17, 2018
In the day of prosperity be happy, but in the day of adversity consider—God has made the one as well as the other so that man will not discover anything that will be after him. Ecclesiastes 7:14 NASB
Trial and trouble come to everyone. Adversity is a fact of life. The ability to rebound and continue to be productive is resiliency, and is a necessity for sustaining a good life. The ability to triumph over our circumstances and unexpected disturbances is key to our walk with God.
Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, reminds us of a tempting perspective. We may think when life is easy and good that God loves us and we have His favor. On the other hand, when we face difficulties we assume we are neglected, abandoned, undervalued, perhaps not even loved. But researchers across the arenas of medicine, psychology, and physiology have identified faith and spirituality as key contributors to resilience. We can tap into the truths we know. For a Christian, the purpose of life is not anchored in the temporary and destructible things of life but in the eternal promise of Creator God who is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1), and from whom we receive the strength to overcome (Philippians 4:13). We know that all sufferings pale in comparison with what is ahead in the big picture (Romans 8:18). Jesus Himself assures His followers that “in the world you will have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Despite the situation, He loves me and is with me still.
Paul reminds believers that the secret to resilient living under these promises is to be transformed by the constant renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2), giving the Holy Spirit the control over our will and action instead of relying on our emotions to forecast our future. Christians who have a rock-solid confidence in God’s trustworthiness quit categorizing days as “good days” and “bad days.” They see them all as days of grace, days of love, days when God is with them.
- Do you tend to base God’s value for you and investment in you by your circumstances? If so, make a short list of what you know to be true from God’s Word. Renew your mind.
- Pray: God, I know you are with me—no matter what. This will be a good day, a day of grace, mercy, and your constant presence, no matter what. Thank you. Amen.