God is not Confusing… we are!

Do you ever feel like you’re trying to decode God’s voice? Especially when trying to figure out what the future holds? Or trying to figure out what he’s trying to teach you given the current circumstances? One of my favorite authors, Graham Cooke, says:

“If joyful expectation is not your starting point, then you’re going to get tossed about by your circumstances.”

My default mindset often seems to be fear. When faced with a decision, “What if I make the wrong choice? What if I mess it all up? What if this is all happening because I made a bad choice? What if I, I, I?” My focus seems to be out of alignment, often God is showing or speaking something good, and instead of choosing trust, I look at myself, my own inadequacy and failings. What if this is all happening because you are about to receive an upgrade? A new understanding? A deeper love? A deeper appreciation for life? A deeper relationship with God? A preparation for your new mission? Growth in patience, kindness, humility…

God is not the author of confusion or fear. They say one of the most frequent quotes of Jesus and the Bible in general is “be not afraid”. In the passage about the storm, the disciples start to freak out as the waves toss their boat around. Where is Jesus? Sleeping. They wake him and after he calms the storm he says, “Why are you afraid? Do you not have faith?” It sounds like he is chastising them very sternly, but when I read this I just hear, “Do not be afraid, I keep telling you I’m here, I’m right here, it’s all under control, just trust me.” (Mark 4:35 — Enrique Standard Version)

So, give up your old way of thinking. God is always good. Do not be afraid. Trust him. God’s got it!

Bible passage: Mark 4:35 — Jesus calms the storm