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"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes."
(Proverbs 21:1)
Chuck Swindoll said that life is 10% of what happens to us and 90% how we respond. In other words, our attitude is vitally important, and it determines our altitude, how high we will soar in life. If anyone should have a merry heart and positive outlook on life, no matter the circumstances, it is the follower of Jesus Christ. Sure, there are many things that happen for which we do not have an explanation. Evil invades our lives and our loved ones' lives violently at times. But how do we react? Do we play the victim card and conclude that we are simply victims of our circumstances and not even God can protect or help us? Or do we reflect upon the power and goodness of God and the countless times He has come through before, determining that we are not victims but victors through Jesus Christ?
Pastor Charles Stanley encountered much suffering and hardship in his life. A few of these I know about, like when he was punched in the face by an angry church member while in the pulpit, or when he and his wife were divorced. He strongly believed that God was in control even during those hard times, and if God did not allow it, then there would have to be someone or something greater in the universe than God. He went on to say, however, we know that is not the case. He shared a verse in his message that has meant much to me in my life, and perhaps you have heard it as well; it is Deuteronomy 29:29: "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law."
The secret things belong to God; what a powerful truth declaration. We will not understand many things. We trust God with those things we cannot comprehend and know that one day in heaven we will understand. Until then, we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
God is in control. He is uncaused, and He is God. We can believe the Bible or not. God works all things for the good of His people; this is either true or not. To not believe God or that He does not exist is a foolish way to live.
I fully admit that there are times when my faith is small, and I do not trust God. Often my first reaction to difficulty is not the best. I question, worry, complain, and yes, look at myself as the victim. But when I pray, read the Bible, and remember who God is, my darkness gives way to light. My outlook and attitude improve dramatically.
I will close today's devotion with some wonderful teaching from Jesus Christ. I hope you are blessed as you read what Jesus said about worry. In Matthew 6:31-34, our Lord said:
"Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
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