Roller Coasters Get a Bad Rap
A popular phrase in English that is often heard in times of uncertainty is, “I feel like I’m on an emotional roller coaster.” It’s not that the words themselves are so bad, but it’s usually said in a despairing tone of voice. It would be so easy to go with the crowd and let this kind of thinking creep in, as though there’s something inherently wrong with anything we didn’t know was coming. Roller coasters really do get a bad rap. The trick to enjoying roller coasters is to let go of fears (rational or irrational), trust that they were designed and built by someone who knew what they were doing, and enter into the thrill of the ride! Of course life is infinitely more complicated than a roller coaster, but there are definitely times in all of our lives when it feels like our hearts are being unduly influenced upwards or downwards by situations beyond our control. But there’s no escaping the truth of God’s word that says that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I’m sorely tempted here to “do a Joel B” and point out that after years of intense research, theologians have discovered that in this verse, the Greek word for “all” means . . . “all!” God doesn’t work in only a few things, some things, or even most things, but He works in ALL things for our good. He’s working in the highs, He’s working in the lows, in the ups and in the downs, in the light and in the shadows. We can’t always see what’s coming up, but we can be sure that God sees, and will work everything out for our good. God’s word is 100% reliable, because He is 100% faithful. Isn’t that an awesome promise!
The Lord has spoken to me a lot this past year about “abiding in Christ above the circumstances.” It’s easy to abide in Jesus when things are smooth and predictable. It’s when life resembles a blizzard, and we can’t even see the next step (let alone a pathway), that we need to consciously choose to abide. Jesus modeled this beautifully by sleeping peacefully in the middle of a storm that was so furious the disciples were convinced they were going to drown. Remember what He said to them – “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). I didn’t realize how much I depended on people, circumstances, and even things I normally take for granted (like consistent interpretation and implementation of laws) until they were either removed or made more inaccessible. God is constantly pursuing our hearts, and He wants all of our hearts. Out of His great love for us, He will continually put us in situations where we need to trust Him more. It’s really not worth a minute of our time to play the “He loves me, He loves me not” game (or its close cousin, “He’s trustworthy, He’s trustworthy not”). Let’s each determine to settle these once and for all. Regardless of circumstances, “He loves me” and “He’s trustworthy” are always true! God cares deeply about us, and is intimately involved with every detail of our lives. So when it feels like your heart is being tossed about, hang on to Jesus, let go of the controls, and enjoy the ride.
I know I quote from this all the time – because it’s really good! – here’s another excerpt from “Streams in the Desert” this week that God’s used to encourage and assure me . . .
“At certain times and places, God will build a mysterious wall around us. He will take away all the supports we customarily lean upon, and will remove our ordinary ways of doing things . . . We will be in a place where we do not know what is happening, where God is cutting the cloth of our lives by a new pattern, and thus where He causes us to look to Him. Most Christians live a treadmill life—a life in which they can predict almost everything that will come their way. But the souls that God leads into unpredictable and special situations are isolated by Him. All they know is that God is holding them and that He is dealing in their lives. Then their expectations come from Him alone.”
Let’s get off our treadmills of comfort, busy work, religion, and complacency, and let God orchestrate the ride, the Kingdom adventures He has planned for us. He’s the Master, He loves us, and He’s good. His plan for us is the best, the absolute best possible scenario imaginable, in every aspect. Wow! Enjoying the ride . . . I’m thankful for the journey, every twist, turn, and tunnel . . .
