I'm blogging daily in April. Learn more about the series here.
Often I hear people talk about how it is easier to draw near to God when we're feeling desperate, but when things are good, we forget about Him and kinda do our own thing. Right now I feel like I'm in one of those "good times" periods. I definitely don't want to fall into thinking I don't need God! In fact, I'm thankful to Him for this time of rest from the intensity that life can bring so suddenly.
Good times can also draw out fear in us: Oh boy, things are going too well. I wonder when disaster will strike, like on that after school special I saw that one time! We have this strange perception that we deserve a certain amount of difficulty, and rather than enjoy the peaceful seasons, we can live in perpetual fear of their end, imagining all of the terrible things that could happen to us. That's a bad road to go down, friends. A VERY bad road.
But even beyond thinking we don't need God or that we need to live in anxious anticipation of life's next trial, when times are smooth, we can settle into the cozy couch of complacency. Snuggled up there, we miss many opportunities to love and serve our Great God, and others.
There are a few folks I am praying for right now who are in difficult circumstances that are wearing them down emotionally, physically, or spiritually. I was thinking of them and praying for them as I washed up dishes post-lunch yesterday. I was interrupted by grace when God revealed to my hear that they reason they were on my mind at that moment, was because I didn't have major struggles of my own wearing me down. Light bulb moment! - The good times are perfect times to pray and take action to have faith and strength for those who can't for themselves!
Do you ever find that it is easier to have faith and hope for others than it is to believe for yourself? I do! We need each other so very much. In our good times, we have extraordinary freedom not to put our feet up, but to put God's Word's into action:
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15
I look forward to seeing the Lord work in and through my friends' circumstances. I believe He has good in store for them. It is a privilege to join them in prayer and to pray on their behalf when they can't.
If you are in good times, get up under the burdens of some other folks, and lighten the load for them with prayer and any practical help too, of course! If you're feeling the weight of the world today, get in touch with some folks who can help you carry the load by praying for you. Let us love one another as Christ loved us and let His peace rule in our hearts.
Have a blessed Good Friday,
Heather
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