There Isn’t an App For Life’s Ups & Downs

“I’m not saying this because I need anything, for I have learned how to be content in any circumstance. I know the experience of being in need and of having more than enough; I have learned the secret to being content in any and every circumstance, whether full or hungry or whether having plenty or being poor.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:11-12‬ ‭CEB‬‬

Sometimes , no let me correct that- a lot of the time I find myself in ‘a mood ‘. I’m either frustrated with a few things that I wish could be better. Or I’m complaining about something that I have no control over. I’m absolutely sure that you have found yourself in that place a dozen different times.

We live in a ‘right now ‘ world of clicks and posts. Smartphones and tablets . We’ve gotten used to having the things that we want with the click of a button. But the only thing technology hasn’t changed is the ebb and flow of life . We’re still subject to the human experience with ups and downs.

There isn’t an app for erasing that argument with your spouse or the situation at the workplace. You can’t just click your way out of the frustration you have over the promotion you didn’t get. Life would be nice if we could just go to a YouTube video and get the hang of it.

I’m going through my own set of frustrations with my current life circumstance.I’m 45 going on 46 in October and I live with my parents. I’m also disabled and a widow of two years. Add the ankle surgery that I have to have and you’ve got the lyrics to a great country song. Is there Facebook chat group that will make my situation any better? I highly doubt it.

As you can probably guess I have an opportunity to complain about how unfair life is. And some would say that I’d have a right to whine about the unfortunate events that have left me in this terrible state. Honestly, I’ve done that. I’m not going to lie to you; I have wallowed in self pity. I’ve also added being angry at God to the list. After all of my temper tantrums were over, I found out that nothing had changed. Most importantly I found that God hadn’t changed. He was still there patiently waiting for me to unload my heavy heart and soul onto Him.

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger because you are with me. Your rod and your staff— they protect me.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:4‬ ‭CEB‬‬

The loneliest place to be in the world is to be without a home for my heart. When I feel the emptiness of being without my husband and the loneliness of my cold bed- I ask for the comfort of my heart. I know that The Lord is aware of my disposition and I remember that He alone has an ‘unfailing love ‘ for me. I know this because I have experienced His love for me time and time again. Yes it’s intangible and no I can’t reach over and put my arms around it when I’m lonely. But I can depend on His love to be there when all else fails.

We’re all human. We’ll have those moments of feeling alone and insecure. Our insecurities are the reminder that we have a great need to feel whole. You will never have enough money to buy peace of mind. Yet free of charge you can have ‘the peace that passes all understanding ‘ –

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭ASV‬‬

Maybe the best things in life are free after all. I’ve got money, food and shelter; I am blessed. There are many people who are in my same situation that are not as fortunate. I’m blessed with a family that supports me and I’ll be eternally grateful to them. I know without their help I’d be homeless and a beggar. So I’m constantly putting things in life into the proper perspective.

Today take a look at the things that make you feel frustrated. Are they really that bad? Or maybe think about the loved one that you have to apologize to- did you say ‘I love you ‘ to them as you left the house? Frustrations are a part of life and they can be managed. But nothing is more important than not taking a loved one for granted. Just a thought for you to meditate on.

So while you’re going about your day- emails, texting and tweeting, remember that the God of all creation is not an emoji. He’s real and just as accessible as your iPhone. You can store your insecurities and fears about life into His inbox. His love is unfailing- trust me, He won’t crash on you. Take time off from the smartphones and tablets to get in touch with Grace. You won’t regret it.