I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (John 15:15 NIV)
I have to admit that I am still not used to this journey through life with chronic physical challenges. I am one of the fortunate ones Some days are better than others Yet for some reason, I still get surprised when a bad day hits.
I guess I somehow think that I will keep on feeling good, even though I know that is never the case. It is hard to stay positive when the bottom drops out. I land back on the couch (if I get out of bed at all) and sit and think about all I could be doing if I were feeling better.
Bad move.
I sometimes have to force myself to simply do something. Anything. Pray, read my bible, or write. These are the lonely times for me.
These are the times I need to remember, “Fear not, I am with you.” I repeat to myself over and over “All is well,” “Everything is all right.,” “God is in control.”
There are few verses that Mary Magdalene sings in the “Jesus Christ Superstar” musical.
“Try not to get worried
Try not to turn on to
Problems that upset you
Oh, Don't you know
Everything's all right
Yes, everything's fine.”
Hard to believe at times? Most certainly. Do I always believe the words I say to myself? To be honest – no – at least not at first. But as I repeat them to myself, as I focus less and less on me and more and more on who is in control, it gets easier. Easy? No. Easier. Yes.
I find that the place I chose to focus gets the most attention. Do I focus on the pain, the things left undone, the difficulties? Well, if I do, it doesn’t help. I have found that out for sure.
If I focus on God, His promises, turn on music, or just reassure myself that God is in control, it makes all the difference in the world.
Father God, I praise You that we have a friend who is always there and always cares: Even when the bottom drops out, Your everlasting hands are there. Amen and Amen. So be it, Lord!