Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Sometimes we reach points where we just can’t take it any more, and we would be content if God just beamed us up right now, so we wouldn’t have to endure any more. The weight on our hearts can seem unbearable.
When this happens, we really, really have to stop and return to God’s promises…it’s when we focus too much on our circumstances when they drown out the quiet assurances He has given us all along. He puts hopes and dreams and visions in our hearts that the enemy would love for us to doubt ever came from God. I’ve been there, as I’m sure you have, too.
We must remember that He already knows everything that will happen in our lives, that His future plans for us are good, and that we simply need to trustfully walk in obedience while he lays our steps before us. It would be so easy to give up because our prayers don’t seem to be answered…but remember that He answers according to His will and timing.
If God has put something on your heart, don’t give up. Rejoice always, and pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Because—guess what?—He is in your past, present, and future, and He is waiting for you to follow Him to the next stop in the glorious journey for you.
Take comfort in His assurances that you are loved and comforted and carried through every season and trial and victory. We glorify Him in how we handle the hard times, too.
Today’s soundtrack
Casting Crown’s “Already There” beautifully addresses times like these, when we stress over the unknown future, and feel overwhelmed by today’s circumstances.
Lyrics
From where I’m standing
Lord, it’s so hard for me to see
Where this is going
And where You’re leading me
I wish I knew how
All my fears and all my questions
Are going to play out
In a world I can’t control
When I’m lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
‘Cause You’re already there
You’re already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You’re already there
You’re already there
From where You’re standing
Lord, You see a grand design
That You imagined
When You breathed me into life
And all the chaos
Comes together in Your hands
Like a masterpiece
Of Your picture-perfect plan
When I’m lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
One day I’ll stand before You
And look back on the life I’ve lived
I can’t wait to enjoy the view
And see how all the pieces fit
One day I’ll stand before You
And look back on the life I’ve lived
‘Cause You’re already there You’re already there
When I’m lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
‘Cause You’re already there
You’re already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You’re already there
You’re already there
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