With finals coming, I feel the pressure to stress and worry. I am tempted to think, “if only… then I will be happy.” If only my exams were over…
My desires for the end of a semester and a period of rest are good ones, but am I forgetting that my sovereign God is in control, even now? There is always another “if only” idol that my sinful heart can conjure up. If only I had cash, a girl, popularity and respect, health, and a worry free life… But I must realize, the idols of the heart are salt water compared to the living water Christians have in Christ. Where am I drawing my strength from today?
I should see the rush at the end of this semester as an opportunity to learn to be disciplined, juggle my responsibilities, and trust in God. I shouldn’t let my peace and contentment slip away by trying circumstances. I am reminded of Scripture’s language of “waiting on God.”
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning. – Psalm 130: 5-6Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:30-31
I need patience in God’s perfect timing. If I can’t learn to be joyful, content, and patient now, how will I respond to tough times in the future? Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds. (James 1) Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God. (John 14)
