One of the things you can count on if you currently reside this side of Heaven is that your life will include troubles and trials. In fact, the Scripture promises it: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Without the promise of the Lord’s presence and grace in the midst of these challenging times, we’d be sorry creatures indeed.
I find it comforting at such times to cling to the doctrine of the sovereignty of God. Rather than remain mired in my own depression or misery, it helps to get a “higher” view, sort of like the one shared at televised golf tournaments when the blimp gives a layout of the golf course, hole by hole. That view helps identify the layout of the terrain and what hazards and obstacles might be strewn along the way. Such a perspective often makes its way into the course guide that provides suggestions as to how to play particular shots and score the course well.
In truth, the Christian has a better view than the blimp’s-eye view. The Word of God gives us an eternal view. Once accepted for what it is – the inspired word of the Triune God – a believer is able to transcend the myopic, often distorted perspective of an incompletely sanctified life and assume the orientation of the Creator, Savior, and Counselor of our souls. God’s law-word (the Ten Commandments, case laws derived from them, and further applications throughout both Old and New Testaments) is our guide to weather the storms from our flesh, the world, and the devil that threaten to engulf us.
So, the next time you find yourself swimming in real and significant woes, remember: They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31). Those eagles’ wings will help you soar up to the eternal view and the Word of God will be your course guide to run the contest before you.
- Andrea G. Schwartz
Andrea Schwartz is Chalcedon’s family and Christian education advocate, and the author of eight books including: A House for God: Building a Kingdom-Driven Family, The Biblical Trustee Family: Understanding God’s Purpose for Your Household, Empowered: Developing Strong Women for Kingdom Service, Woman of the House: A Mother’s Role in Building a Christian Culture, and The Homeschool Life: Discovering God’s Way to Family-Based Education. She’s also the co-host of the Out of the Question podcast, the Chalcedon podcast, and has an active teaching schedule with women and high schooled students.. She can be reached at [email protected].