Help me to see how good Thy will is in all.
I work at a church. So in some ways, the fall always seems like the beginning of another new year. Our regular programs start up again, and I always look forward to all that’s in store after the slower pace of summer.
September affords us a fresh start as we move back into schedules and routines, even new opportunities and adventures. If you’re anything like me, your calendar is already filled with plans you’ve made for the months ahead.
Yet experience tells me this: those plans may very well change with no warning at all.
We live amid the reality that life is full of unknowns. Uncertainty can make us uncomfortable, even anxious and fearful. It may cause us to play it safe or ignore the Lord’s promptings, especially when it means entering uncharted waters. There always exists that tension between a broken world that destroys and a sovereign God who is good. That’s why our days will not be without suffering, sorrow and loss; however, in God’s kingdom, there is a bigger purpose for every hardship we face, even when we can’t understand it.
It’s easy to be faithful when everything is going well. I enjoy those seasons when life goes according to plan, don’t you? But how do we continue in faith when nothing seems to be going right?
The Bible tells us to trust in who God is, not in the circumstances of our lives.
In Psalm 62:5-7, we read:
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
As children of God, we can trust in the reality that what is unknown to us is already known to Him. When the unexpected shows up, it’s not a surprise to the Lord. He uses everything, not necessarily for our comfort, but definitely for our eternal good (Rom. 8:28). Best of all, God doesn’t leave us to figure things out on our own. If we have built our lives on the truth of His Word and the promises He gives, then we never go it alone.
Walking in faith doesn’t mean living without intentionality. It’s important to make plans, set goals, and be good stewards of the moments God gives us on this earth. Scripture tells us to be wise about our days because of the fleeting nature of this life (Ps. 90:12). At the same time, we need to hold our plans with open hands to the One who is sovereign over everything and loves us more than we can comprehend. We can face our days with confidence and assurance because God goes before us all the way and provides all we need in both joy and sorrow.
The Puritan writer expressed it best: “Thou art all my good in times of peace, my only support in days of trouble, my one sufficiency when life shall end. Help me to see how good Thy will is in all, and when it crosses mine, teach me to be pleased with it.” (Valley of Vision)
Dear friend, uncertainty may be looming large right now, but we can be certain of this. God is our Hope. Rock. Salvation. Fortress. Glory. Refuge.
What else could we possibly need?
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fail, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. Psalm 37:23-24
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