Scripture:
"God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in
times of great trouble. That's why we won't be afraid when the world falls
apart, when the mountains crumble into the center of the sea."
Psalm 46:1-2 (CEB)
Every single
day we face hardships. These hardships are normally small - in my case, a bad
grade on a math quiz or a short-lived argument with a friend. But sometimes
these hardships are seemingly insurmountable troubles that torment us until we feel
as if we can't go on.
For me, one
of these hard times was when my grandmother passed away last Fall. I knew this
would happen, but I was completely unprepared. I thought that the worst
possible thing that could happen would be for me to lose her.
When she
died, I grew angry towards God, wondering what right he had to take her away
from me. I asked why, but I never asked for help. I never prayed for peace. I
only refused to accept what was happening and tried to act as if there was
nothing anyone could do to make it better.
But when the
day of the funeral came, my anger was replaced with grief and sadness, and I
turned to God. I sat down and I prayed, giving all my sorrow to God. I let go
of my fears and my anger, saying, "God, take my grief. I don't want it
anymore." And by God's grace, I found peace.
I didn't
find peace through anger or worry or stress, but instead I found peace through
prayer and meditation. I took the time just to a take a breath and open my arms
to God, and he took my troubles from me. This is how I know that God will take
care of me, no matter the circumstances. Though it may feel as if the world is
collapsing, I know that in the end God will catch me before I fall.
My favorite
band is The City Harmonic, and one of my favorite songs by them is
"Strong." Some of the lyrics read, "If I can't see the light
through the pain, then tell me how a thorn could ever be grace. Suddenly you
let me see in Your crown of thorns that though there might be pain, you'll roll
the stone away, my God."
We all face
hardships, and Jesus faced the hardest of them all. But in the end, he was
willing to give his troubles up to God, and when Jesus had done God's will, God
rolled the stone away. God will always roll our stones away. All we have to do
is give our worries to God and let him do the rest.
Alex Cherry
This is part of a daily devotional series running through the Lenten Season (March 5-April 20th). Please feel free to comment below and share this devotional with your friends and family.
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