Read: Matthew 7:7-11
Recently, one of my students was playing with a yo-yo at recess. As I watched the spool go up and down, up and down, I thought about how that toy is a good representation of life. My life is constantly changing from highs to lows. One day I receive a surprise gift or have a great experience, the next day I get an unexpected bill or wake up sick.
In the times when life seems lowest, it’s easy to feel forgotten and unloved by God. Too often, when we are frustrated and desperate, doubt fills our minds and emotion overcomes our devotion. When we aren’t blaming our bad circumstances on past decisions, we often want to blame God instead. But, as Jesus points out in Matthew, God doesn’t give bad gifts to His children. God is love (1 John 4:8). Giving bad gifts is not in His nature. So what if instead of seeing bad circumstances as punishment we began to see them as preparation for the future? Suddenly, every experience is a learning experience. We begin to see God not as a punisher, but as a merciful teacher.
Whether your life is in an up or a down, take time today to praise God for His goodness. Jesus tells us we can ask God for anything. Maybe you need to ask for the strength to let go of any uncertainty, doubt and resentment you have toward God for circumstances in the past. Maybe you need to ask for understanding about what He’s trying to teach you now.
Either way, remember: God hasn’t abandoned us and He won’t abandon us. I love how God reminds Israel of this in Isaiah, “Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:15-16, NLT).
