The winds howl, the rain plummets, the sky is black.
Beyond the threatening sky, there is blue sky and sunshine. You just can’t see it. But it’s there.
Death is not the end. But for now, it feels like it.
This Bible verse gives the Christian hope-
He [God] will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. Revelation 21:4
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The Bible says God set eternity in our hearts. That’s why we wonder about life after we die.
The one who put eternity there is the one who has the answers to our wondering.
When we think of contentment, we often associate it with an accomplishment. You worked very hard at something and you were successful.
Or, it’s that warm, calm feeling listening to rhythm of the rain hitting the roof at night.
Moments like these are just that. Moments.
What if I told you it is possible to have contentment everyday?
In the Bible, the Apostle Paul was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, imprisoned, and more. Yet, he says this:
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Contentment comes from accepting what you cannot change. But you can only truly accept when you believe God is with you.
For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
You had dreams. But something happened to ruin things. And now you are discouraged.
Sometimes, it’s the choices of other people who ruin those dreams. We can’t control those choices. Some people just aren’t willing to think about others first. You may have tried to communicate your feelings to no avail.
It hurts.
Meanwhile, you have choices, too. You can choose to let those broken dreams make life bitter or you can choose to enjoy life. It’s up to you. Because there’s plenty in life to enjoy if you’re looking. And one thing I have learned about God is this: he always has another path for us when the one we were on has a dead end.
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And those dreams? You might be able to tuck them away and not give up on them just yet. The last chapter of your life has yet to be written.
I don’t know about you, but I think there are plenty of reasons these days to be anxious.
On the global scene, terrorism and dictators with their nuclear interests/intentions is a daily concern. Nothing is new under the sun but access to 24 hour news channels and the internet bring us face to face with real-time events.
Personally, we may be dealing with relational issues in our family or workplace, financial struggles, illness, divorce, and the death of a loved one.
The list of seemingly lesser anxieties which are often hidden in our heart may be about the future. Will I pass the exam? Am I a good parent? Who will take care of me when I’m old? The “what-ifs”.
When we feel like we’re drowning in circumstances that make us anxious, we need guidance and an anchor to hold us securely.
Consider this scripture:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Peace.
Isn’t that what we really want when we’re anxious? Because we can’t always change our situations.
You begin with trusting. We all trust in something and primarily, we rely on ourselves. But some things in life are way beyond what we can handle.
When you trust God with difficult situations, you will have peace – the remedy for anxiousness.
Social networking, mainly Facebook, gives us a great way to connect and reconnect.
But there is a downside. Have you ever closed your laptop and felt that twinge of envy because of what someone’s life looks like?
You know what I mean.
You didn’t get many likes.
Someone who has hurt you looks like they are doing just great.
They are on vacation and you can’t afford one.
Her family looks so perfect!
That’s the downside. Recognize it. Because if you’re hurting about something, this can just make you feel worse.
If you want to continue using social networking, you have to remember this one thing: things are not always what they seem.
I don’t know why we do this, but we really believe what we see as truth. It isn’t always an honest assessment of how someone is really doing. That post is just a snapshot of one moment.
That’s not to say that we shouldn’t learn to be happy for people – to celebrate with them.
It means that we’re human and we are prone to being hurt.
Learn to use social networking with your eyes open.
If you can’t, consider taking a break from it or keeping a small network of friends.
“First of all,” he said, “if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … “
“Sir?”
” … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
Death is like a storm.
when it hurts 