October 3: Of discouragement and a specific overwhelming situation

Two thoughts today, to make up for the struggle I had putting something together last week.

First, discouragement.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This is NOT one of the easiest instructions in the Bible. But it is one of the clearest. To avoid uncertainty, Paul repeats himself - "I will say it again: Rejoice!". "When?" "Always." "Seriously?" "Yes."

- When one loses one's job and has bills to pay and a family to feed? Rejoice.
- When a loved one falls ill, is in pain, and recovery is unclear? Yes.
- When a child is tempted by the world and by sin, and is refusing to listen? Definitely.
- When a marriage is on the rocks - due to infidelity, abuse, isolation, or anything else? Certainly.

It isn't easy. But when we come to Him - consistently, persistently - and bring these concerns to His attention, we are guaranteed His peace. "Seriously?" "Yes."

Second, a specific overwhelming situation. Abortion.

Its advocates will say it is no one's business but the mother's, and an unexpected pregnancy is certainly an overwhelming situation (truth is, a planned, or wanted pregnancy is also an overwhelming situation - the parents just haven't realized it yet!). And far be it for me - or anyone else - to judge a mother for her decision. However, on top of the scripture quoted above, which might give comfort in the event of an unexpected pregnancy, I might also add, and ask that one consider:

Jer 1:4-5:

4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

While the world suggests the "fetus" is nothing but a lump of cells until it is born, scripture tells us otherwise.

In every overwhelming situation we face, may we remember all things are under HIs dominion; may we find the strength to rejoice; and, in doing so, may we come to know His peace amidst the difficulty of our circumstances.



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