Which Way is Up?
As I walk down my school hallway, I give thanks to God that I am here. After missing multiple days of teaching due to both family and my own medical issues in recent weeks, I am back at work.
I am tired and the stress is not gone. Many things are not yet resolved. I ponder how I will have an effective day when my energies are tapped and worry wants to creep into the crevices in my spirit.
I cannot manage these downturns in life without my Heavenly Father’s care. I seriously have no strength of my own to cope with all that life has thrown my way recently. As I walk through the school, I am amazed that I am even functioning. I could not even begin to be able to teach my young ones without God’s guidance and support.
A verse from Isaiah comes to mind. It is one that has encouraged me often throughout the years and it speaks to me now:
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 ESV)
This verse offers such incredible comfort. It reminds us that we are not alone. Throughout life’s ebbs and flows, ups and downs, God will uphold us. He promises us that.
I must admit that is difficult to remember when life is so turned around that I wonder which way is up. But the first words of this verse are hugely significant – “Fear not”. Those exact words are said to Mary, the mother of Jesus, when she finds out she is pregnant by the Holy Spirit. They are said again to the shepherds when the host of angels appear to them. They needed to hear that as do all of us.
God does not want us to live in fear. Instead, He wants us to move forward with confidence, knowing that He will strengthen us for whatever road we are on.
When life gets tough, our Heavenly Father is there to prop us up. Ask Him to grant you strength to face whatever life is thrusting upon you at this time.
As I walk the school hallway my heart is full of praise. I know and can be thankful about all the great things our Lord has done for me, especially just helping me put one foot in front of the other on this school morning. He has given me the strength to navigate tough times. He has provided what I and my loved ones need in these challenging circumstances.
How can we have a heart of praise when life is upside down? It is remembering that our God is faithful. He is our anchor in any storms of life. No matter what tumult we face, our Lord never leaves us to navigate it alone. Hold onto Him. He is faithful and sure. He will never let you go.
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