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BREAD FOR THE JOURNEY BLOG@ Rhythms of Grace: a Journey into RestSustenance for the journey into rest and peace
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THIS SERIES: GRUMBLING, A BARRIER TO REST.  In addition to expressing our gratefulness for the multitude of blessings which crowd our days, it is also important to give thanks when things are not going well. Choosing to give thanks; choosing to believe that God is good all the time, and has everything in hand when problems arise, takes self-discipline. It is oh-so-easy to lapse into self-pity, discouragement and unbelief when things get tough—especially when we don’t understand. We live in a fallen world, which is ruled by the Evil One [2 Corinthians 4:4; John 12: 41; 14:30], and who is out to destroy human lives—and Creation itself—by any means he can. And so stuff happens: people get sick, relationships break down, malpractice devours savings, and accidents claim lives. There are also the daily frustrations of living: appliances break down, appointments are missed, misunderstandings occur and valued items are broken. Christians are not exempt from these difficulties—and sometimes the suffering can be caused by family members or other Christians—which can be particularly difficult to deal with. Despite some simplistic teaching which suggests that that if we have enough faith, we will live free from affliction, Jesus (and the writers of the epistles) clearly taught differently: ‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’ [John 16:33] The crucial thing at these times is to fix our attention on who God is—His revealed nature, and what He has already done in our lives, rather focusing on our perception of what He hasn’t done. We give thanks because what the Evil One purposes for our destruction, the Lord is able to work for our ultimate good. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. [Romans 8:28] And thanksgiving is the foundation for our requests for help: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [Philippians 4:6] It also provides the launch-pad for supernatural intervention! He who sacrifices thank-offerings honours Me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God [Psalm 50:23] A thankful heart will transform us from the inside out... A glad heart does good like medicine. [Proverbs 17:22] But it also has the potential to transform our circumstances... So what are we waiting for...? THIS WEEK’S GRACE RHYTHM:
Take a rain check...
RESOURCESIf you are hurting right now, you may find some help on the link below: KINGDOM LIVING: HOPE FOR THE HURTING NEXT WEEK: NEW SERIES: REST IS... We are living in turbulent times, but Jesus is still Lord! GET IN TOUCH!
[Photo credits: Urban Vintage (girl in cornfield); John Schnobrich (laptop) @ Unsplash, with thanks]
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