God Why?

-
Over the last few years, there has been a re-shaping of my expectations, a re-arranging of my priorities. Because if I'm being honest, where I am is nowhere close to where I thought I would be. And ultimately, it has been the best thing for me. Hard, at times incredibly hard, but so good too. I've seen growth, and more trust in God because of the valleys.

It's easy to forget all of the good things that God has done and see only the negative. This is a far too common pattern in my own life. I think we all have those moments in our lives when we say, "God, why? Why did XYZ happen? Why does it feel like that person is getting everything they want and I'm not?"

 In the last few months I've been struggling with disappointment over unmet expectations. But then comes the conviction--the moment of realization that 'nothing is promised and every good and perfect gift is from above' (paraphrased from James 1:17)--I have so much to be grateful for, from 'simple' things like food and clothing, to a safe home and a job. Right now especially that is something to be thankful for.

 My roommate and I had a conversation recently about living with palms up, open to God's leading in our lives, a concept from Bob Goff. It was encouraging to me and a good reminder to hold loosely to the things of this world. It's not always easy, but very little in life comes without work and a re-shaping of our thoughts and lives. I've been re-reading Whiter Than Snow: Meditations on Sin and Mercy by Paul David Tripp, and its been challenging in such a good way. I underlined this part from page 56: 

When I've quit looking for satisfaction in the created world and begin to find my satisfaction in the Lord, then I'm willing to hold loosely to the things that once held me.
It can be challenging, but the rewards are far better than anything we might be missing out on. Sometimes I forget that this life is temporary and hold tightly to the things I think I want or need. It's only when I remember true satisfaction is in Christ that I can live this out.

Comments

Lori Lee said…
Thank you Rachel. So true. Something we all have to grow and work through throughout our life. Why is it we clutch at the plastic necklace instead of reaching for and enjoying the eternal sparkling gems that are in Christ and for us. Blessings on you. Love, Aunt Lori
May 19, 2020 at 7:39 PM
Anonymous said…
Thank you Rachel. So true. Something we all have to grow and work through throughout our life. Why is it we clutch at the plastic necklace instead of reaching for and enjoying the eternal sparkling gems that are in Christ and for us. Blessings on you. Love, Aunt Lori
May 19, 2020 at 7:41 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

On Silence

-
Image
After an impromptu trip to Seward yesterday with family, I decided to take a break from this gorgeous weather long enough to do a quick post. I haven't been sure what to write lately, there are always a few ideas floating around in my brain but nothing that seems good enough to tease out and write a full post about. I sat here looking at a blank screen, writing and re-writing paragraphs. I haven't been doing a good job lately of having quiet time to process, which is part of the reason I have not written lately. Nothing seemed to come out quite right today, so I decided to switch things up a bit and write some poetry instead. When the Lord seems silent, I am far from him When He tells me--'wait', I still ask--'why?' and question Him He is patient When I am not, Abounding in grace He never leaves me Or forsakes me When I stray, He is a rock amidst storms, My comfort, a place of peace
Read more

Finding Humor in Everyday Mishaps

-
Image
I love finding beauty in simple things during my walks For the sake of everyone's safety, I'm staying off the streets today. Ok, not really, but I did manage to drop a Tupperware of sweet potato casserole on the floor, somehow, it landed right-side-up, but it splashed a trajectory of mashed sweet potatoes in a five-foot path. I also tried to work on my story today, but my attention span is about five minutes long at the moment, which is why I'm blogging instead. Like many hobbies, its something to work on. A few years ago I used to sit down for eight hours at a time to write, so I know I can do it, I just have to work up to it. Kind of like running. I used to hate it, but this past month, I started again at the encouragement of my brother-in-law, who, while he likes to give me a hard time, really does have my best interest in mind. My goal was the Coast Guard fitness test standards, which he was working on as well. For me, it meant a 1.5 mile run in 15:36, 12 pu...
Read more

12.26.17 - Reflections

-
Image
Christmas always comes more quickly than I expect it to. This year was no different. And like (almost) every other Christmas in Alaska in the past five years, I ushered it in with a cold. I guess next year I need to go sunbathe on a warm, sunny beach. As I look back at the past year, and what God has done in my life, I would like to think there has been some growth. I've been stretched beyond where I am comfortable, felt pummeled as I've had health problems for the past six months, and wondered why He would take away good things in my life. But God is showing me so many ways that I can trust Him more and lean upon Him and not my own understanding. I have surgery scheduled for February. It's not anything life-threatening, and I can be thankful for that, but of all the infinite possibilities for 2018, that was certainly not something I expected.  But that is life.  The Lord has a way of throwing things at you that you didn't see coming. And they aren'...
Read more