I have observed that there are those who go through life anticipating trouble and disappointment, and they are not disappointed. There are also those who go through life and experience trouble and disappointment, yet they are not troubled.
For the one, life is a series of frustrating, heartbreaking events which ultimately climax in death. The other experiences frustration and heartache yet celebrates life even in death.
How strange to watch these two living out their lives side by side. One seems to rarely experience any happiness while the other seems to have joy regardless of life’s experiences.
Jesus often told his disciples to not be afraid, but I think that the average person tends to miss the power behind His words. Not to be afraid is not being unrealistic or blind to the happenings and goings on around us. But rather, it is not letting those things cause us to lose sight of the bigger picture.
If God’s Word is true, then as children of God we need to choose to believe in passages like Jer.29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Or in Rom.8:28 which reminds us; “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
These are often nice thoughts during a bible study, but in reality must be realized in our hearts and chosen to cling to in our daily lives if they are to be manifest as our truth.
The matter is really quite simple. If we let fear reign, then our vision will be focused upon those things which bring trouble and disappointment. But, if we choose to believe that no matter what happens, we still win in the end, these momentary afflictions will quickly pass and the joy that is ours in the Lord will reign in our lives.
After Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, displaying a new form of leadership. After he broke bread with them, telling them of the new covenant in His blood. After He told of being betrayed by one that He loved. After these things, the disciples were apparently, and justifiably, confused and disturbed. This is when he told them to remember the bigger picture and not be caught up in fear. This is where He said in Jn.14:1 “Let not your heart be troubled.”
In other words, keep your focus where it belongs. On the big picture. Our hope is not in this world but in Christ and all that He represents. He “is the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (Jn.14:6) And we can trust Him because He has proven Himself trustworthy throughout the generations as recorded in His Word and by those who have experienced His salvation.
So my dear brother or sister, if you are finding yourself in a place where your heart is troubled, remember these things and put them together with the wisdom of Prov. 3:5; “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and do not trust in your own understanding.”
May God bless you this day with His peace,
Pastor Rick
About Rick:
My folks moved to St. Helens when I was in 1st grade. I have been a part of this community ever since, attending McBride Grade School, Jr. High School and High School right here. During those days there were several thriving saw mills, ply wood mills, the paper mill, and log and chip trucks everywhere! I really love the smell of fresh cut wood. It brings back wonderful memories of special times and sights of growing up in a thriving lumber community.
During my high school days I participated in sports and worked at various local businesses. After graduating high school in 1976, I became employed at a local auto repair shop which began a 20 plus year stretch of working in the auto service industry for a variety of companies.
I began dating my wife Paula in the spring of my senior year of high school and we married after she graduated high school in September of 1977. After 32 years together we have been blessed to date with three sons, one grandson and seven grand daughters.
Over the years I have been able to give back to the community by serving in the church in a variety of areas and by volunteering with various community groups.
I have come to greatly love the various communities of Columbia County, each one so very unique with a special story to tell about our history, as well as their contribution to our future.
Paula & I started attending Yankton 22 years ago. We had been involved in another local church, teaching Sunday school and mid week classes to Jr. High students, and participating on the worship team. We felt that God was leading us in a new direction and to be honest, at the time I was very surprised that it was here. But there was no question that this was where God wanted us to be.
