Whatever is “right here” can seem much more real than anything “over there.” But let’s be candid: if the lesser things seem more real than the greater, that’s a reality that we have helped to create by the things we’ve chosen to think about.
Solomon reached this conclusion long ago: “The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22). It takes trust to believe that this is true, and that God’s will is better — really better — than any alternative.
Life is a long journey, but although the steps that take us toward God are many, they are taken one at a time. The key to life is managing the moments. “Take care of the minutes, and the hours will take care of themselves” (Lord Chesterfield).
It’s urgent that we prepare our hearts as Ezra did (Ezra 7:10). It’s time to think seriously about what matters most. What kind of people do we intend to be? “When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind” (Seneca).
How much obedience matters to us is indicated by the use we’ve made of the light we already possess. Does the day-to-day evidence of our decisions show that we’re thankful for this light? If not, there’s little point in seeking further light.
Do we despise the grace that has brought us this far? We’ve done more than merely survive, but can we not see even in this survival evidence that God is willing to help us? He has not only proven His power; He has proven His patience with us!
Whoever truly comes to terms with the unfailing goodness of God will never again deal with sin or with uncertainty in the same way. A deep, grateful confidence that God is good will win the war against both wickedness and worry.
Like any decision to trust, the commitment of ourselves to the truth about God is likely to be tested as the years go by. But mere testing doesn’t mean our faith was foolish. To the contrary, it may well demonstrate just how wise our choice was.
When sorrow makes an appearance in our lives, we can make it our aim to shine all the more radiantly against the dark background that has developed. We can seek God in such a way as to brighten our character with the brilliance of tested faith.
To gain wisdom from our suffering in this life, our focus must not be on ourselves. The main object in life is neither to defend ourselves against suffering nor to exploit it self-righteously, but to seek a greater Truth outside of ourselves.
