Facing Reality

Social media sets unrealistic expectations for people.  Photos that are close up, edited, filtered, and fixed are not reality.  There are times when the truth is just outside the lens of the camera.  Social Media should be viewed for what it is, a celebration or highlight real of the best moments in life.  We post our kids being cute, not the meltdown in the grocery store.  We post our perfect dinner, not the burnt mess that was inedible.  Whether you are doing well or struggling right now, take a breath, relax, and trust that God is in control of this moment.  

The day in and day out of reality can wear us down.  There are times when we just want to stay in bed, but the baby needs us to get up and feed him.  There are days when it would be great if the dishes and laundry just washed themselves, but inanimate objects have yet to comply, and the furry critters in the woods refuse to help too.  God gave us these days.  He blessed us with the food to eat, clothes to wear, children to care for, and all the other “things to do” today.  We should rejoice in the day that God has given to us.

Rejoicing is not necessarily happy.  Christians find joy in remembering that Jesus died for us and saved us from our sins.  God gives us each day to bring him glory.  Sometimes those days are amazing.  Sometimes those days are boring.  Sometimes those days are a struggle to survive.  Whatever type of day we are having, it is for God’s glory.  We can learn and grow closer to him in the day that he has given to us.  This may seem like an impossible task, but God can give us the strength to do it.  Philippians 4:11-13 tells us, “Not that I am speaking of being indeed, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Rely on the strength that God provides to get through each and every day.  Trust that he will strengthen you on the tough days and remember his goodness on the easy ones.  Do you read God’s word on a regular basis?  If not, I would suggest starting there.  It doesn’t have to be a three hour, in-depth study.  Start by reading just a little bit as time allows.  I try to do this first thing in the morning, though I admit I struggle with this myself on a lot of mornings.

Joy is the blessing of every believer.  We can be joyful for being part of God’s plan, even when that plan causes us pain.  We can find joy in the mundane tasks of life, being thankful for the responsibilities that God has blessed us with.  Joyful service to the Lord is the will of God for every believer.  “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)