Trying to stay afloat……..

Have you ever had a day that you thought you were sinking? Sinking in worry, or fear, anxiety or
panic. It’s not a good feeling to think you have no control over things in your life. I believe that in our society today we are encouraged to try and get everything under control, to be on top of all our circumstances. When something happens that makes us feel out of control we have a strong emotional reaction. Let me play out a couple of scenarios for you;

1. You’ve just had a great day at work, your boss told you he didn’t know how the company could do it without you. He assures you that a good raise is coming. He say’s you’ve been working too hard, take a long weekend, and recharge your batteries. When you get home your wife and children are thrilled to see you and they are looking forward to having you with them for that well deserved long weekend.

1. Work was a bear today, everyone was unhappy and more than few people made you feel like a big part of the problem, is you. Your boss jumped down your throat about a late report and
he insisted you needed to stay in the office until your work was caught up. You have to call your
wife and break the news that the planned weekend away with the family has to be put on hold.

O.K. how do you feel in both of these instances? Of course you would prefer number 1, who wouldn’t. Both of these examples are about “happiness” based on current circumstances.
Peace is something we can feel when circumstances don’t matter. Think about it, haven’t we all had both of these experiences? If your security is in a relationship with Jesus, you can weather the number two moments in life. Is it pleasant? No, but even in the second example, if you think about it, the situation is only temporary, your boss will get in a better mood, you will still have time with family. Even if your family is disappointed they still love you and will understand. You still have a job and things will certainly be better tomorrow.

The problem is control. The truth of the matter is we have very little control over the circumstances in our lives. Yes, we can affect some outcomes, but many others will be up to someone else in our lives. The answer is easy, give your life to God and trust Him with it. It may sound like way to simple a solution, but trust me I’ve tried all the ways I can think of, to stay happy, I’ve never have been able to do it. Peace however comes every day when you know you can trust Him with the circumstances in your life, and trust that He can bring you through them. A victorious life is possible with Him, I’ve found it impossible without Him.

Why keep fighting to stay on top the water in the torrent of storms in life. You don’t have to. Reach up and let Him pull you into the boat. After all He is the only one that can calm the storms
in you and I.

blessings,

the pilgrim