Back Here Again

We all know those times....those times that are rougher than any other. Those times when we are facing something that at the time just seems to be cruel, unusual, and takes forever to go away. Eventually we do get through those times and hopefully we can attribute that it was through God's strength and wisdom, not our own. Although, what's ironic about those times is that just when you think you are finally through the thick of it all and things are going well, something else comes into the scene and boots you right back into the fray. At those times I think to myself, "Hey God, I've already been through this. Why am I back??" I think that God's response goes something like this, "I'm not done teaching you..."

Looking back though at my meager past I cannot help but realize that it is in these times of confusion that God works to teach me something significant. Whether we put our selves in certain situations or God does, it all happens for the glory of God. I believe that He uses these tough situations to bring us to Him in dependence and that through trusting in Him, He uses these "hard times" to teach us something about Him or is showing us something in our lives that needs to change.

Though, it seems that too often we just come to God when we are uncomfortable or unsure of something and not when everything seems to be going our way. When things are swell for us, human nature dictates that we become independent unto ourselves for our own happiness. Hey if we have the money then we can just buy happiness right? No, we cannot. We can only buy into pleasure as long as the money lasts, but even then, happiness is circumstantial. Rather, we should be seeking for joy in God wherever we are in our lives. He can fill the heart with a joy that is not dependent on whatever situations we find ourselves in. If we cannot depend on God period, then how can we be joyful in all that we experience, and even say that we live for Him.