Experience

I know it’s easy to say—Do not be anxious about anything…. You know the verse well. Some of you memorized it as a child. You know the verse is true. You have experienced God’s peace. But today is different.

After tragedy struck Job’s life, he moved into the natural and normal period of questioning. Then, as we saw last time, God rescued Job from his downward spiral and refocused his vision. Job was looking at his situation; God said, “Time to look at me.” With his eyes on the person and character of God, Job responds.

The apostle Paul’s life was not some ivory tower professorial existence spewing forth classroom theories and then retreating to his office to read another book. He lived in the real world, learning from real-life experiences. And there, he learned that God provides exactly what we need for whatever he is calling us to do. Paul learned this through experience. And so do we.

Solomon experienced the energy and vigor of youth and wanted others to do the same. His counsel for young men was to enjoy life and pursue dreams and desires. But Solomon warns that enjoying life is not without boundaries and accountability. Everything a person does will one day be evaluated by the Judge (see also Eccl. 12:14).

Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in him as the only way to God has the assurance of resurrection.

When you come in true repentance, he forgives and forgets.

Look up! He is reaching out to you!

Pray that God will give you an “understanding mind” to accomplish everything he has for you to do.

Through it all, the Father is right there with you. Whatever your present state, you can experience and enjoy (yes, enjoy) the journey with Him.