Most people go through life unaware of the great cosmic dilemma—namely, how can a holy God be reconciled with sinful humanity? Nor do they give much thought to the solution that God Himself provided at Calvary: The cross was the place where both His love and His justice were on full display.
When Adam and Eve disobeyed the Lord, they exposed the entire human race to sin. Humanity’s condition stood in opposition to the perfectly righteous God who created them.
The Lord could have abandoned mankind to condemnation. But in love, He wanted to forgive sinful people and reconcile them to Himself—while remaining absolutely just. His solution was to provide a perfect sacrifice to atone for their sins. That meant a flawless substitute was needed to take the punishment sinners deserved. So God sent His Son into the world to bear mankind’s sin and appease His own justice.
The cross of Jesus represents the only answer to this cosmic problem. God was satisfied by Christ’s sacrifice so that in eternal love He could welcome redeemed mankind into His holy presence. Have you trusted Jesus as Savior and acknowledged the sacrifice He made on your behalf?
Yesterday we saw what happened when the disciples encountered a storm on the sea. They’d experienced many miraculous moments in their time with the Lord, but when waves battered their boat, it was as if they’d forgotten who He was. Their minds couldn’t recollect what they had witnessed about His power and purposes. Even the appearance of Jesus walking on the water did not bring immediate relief.
When trouble strikes, we too sometimes forget what we know to be true about the Lord. We struggle to recall past answers to prayer, God’s faithfulness in earlier situations, and lessons learned in previous crises. Only the present seems real as our minds struggle with fears about the future and our troubled emotions prevent us from thinking clearly.
Reading Scripture is the best way to remember biblical truths, but another helpful tool is a spiritual journal. It’s a place for you to document your pilgrimage with the Lord and specific details of how He’s worked in your personal life. This kind of written record can serve as a map to trace where you’ve been and how God has helped you along the way. Your current trial may be a new one—but you will be encouraged to look back and see God’s faithfulness and unchangeable nature over the years.
When difficulties arise, are you surprised that the Lord would allow them? Such thinking assumes that being an obedient believer exempts us from problems. Consider today’s passage—the disciples did exactly what Jesus said by getting into the boat and setting sail for the other side. Yet before long, they found themselves battered and tossed about by a powerful storm.
Then there are other believers who automatically assume that if trouble comes, they’re the problem. Even though God does use trials to correct us from time to time, not all difficulties result from our sins and failures. But He can use all situations to mature and conform us to Christ’s likeness.
And that’s what was happening in Matthew 14 with the disciples. Jesus knew what lay ahead, and He was training them for the work He was calling them to do. In this case, the lashing winds created an environment that would help them learn key lessons about trust that would be invaluable for future ministry.
God uses a variety of means to help us become strong, vital servants of Jesus Christ. Instead of keeping our heads bent low against the struggles of life, let’s look up to the Lord and seek His strength and purposes.
Ecclesiastes 1
As times passes, we’ll inevitably begin to experience more physical aches and pains. But disappointments can leave us feeling old in spirit at any age. In today’s passage, we find a disheartened Solomon bemoaning how meaningless his existence has become. The king who was once unsurpassed in wisdom has tragically allowed worldly ideals and pursuits to distort his priorities. And as a result, he’s become dissatisfied with life.
What Solomon didn’t realize is that our focus determines our level of satisfaction. Those who stay young in spirit continually look for evidence of the Almighty—ways that He’s working, providing, loving, and guiding. Without this perspective, the pain and problems of life take center stage, which can then lead to discouragement and grumbling.
These are burdens that believers are not meant to bear. Jesus Christ invites the weary and heavy-laden to come to Him and find rest (Matthew 11:28-30). Our Savior is the solution for everything that weighs us down, but we must let Him carry it for us.
What are you hauling around that is aging your body, soul, and spirit? Whether you’re burdened by unforgiveness, regret, guilt, or something else, cast it is on God, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
Our culture is obsessed with youth. The marketplace is flooded with products promising better health, fewer wrinkles, and stronger bodies. But these will only scratch the surface of our aging problem. Unless death intervenes, growing old is inevitable. Living as if we’re old, however, is a choice. We can be young in soul and spirit, regardless of our chronological age.
Today’s passage tells us that when a righteous man is firmly planted in the Lord (Ps. 92:13), he’ll become fruitful in things that last into eternity. Believers are never to retire from bearing fruit; we’re to continually abide in Christ so we can do the work He’s given us to accomplish (John 15:4, Ephesians 2:10).
Even when we walk with Christ, our bodies may grow physically weaker in our latter years. But we can have the confidence and stability that come only from growing strong in faith. Each year is an opportunity to trust God more and rely wholly on His Word.
Staying young while growing old begins with your mind. Never stop listening to the Father and learning from His Word. Allow godly thinking to shape your attitude. Be thankful, never stop laughing, and rejoice in your Lord. Above all, keep believing and loving Him with all your heart.
