Lows and Highs – Week Three

I opened the email. The one that informed me something I was anticipating, praying for, believing for, and hoping for didn’t come through. At least not yet… The instant I began to process this news, my mind began to spiral. Worry took over. Worry not only about this particular concern, but about many other situations in my life too. Things that were seemingly connected to this situation and a few that had absolutely nothing to do with it.

It never ceases to amaze me how easily I can move from trust to doubt, from high to low, or from joy to worry. Some days its the big things that threaten to derail me, but other times it is the smaller things, the ones I am not anticipating, that creep in and pull me down.

So, what do we do when doubts, concerns, and problems threaten to overtake us? How do we find peace? How did we stop ourselves from falling into self-pity, fear, anxiety, or despair? Let me share with you a thought that has been helping me. The very thought that God used to calm my post email turmoil and point me back to Him.

In this series, we have been talking about lows and highs and how they are intertwined in our lives. Just like this is true for each of us, it was true for Jesus. His time of greatest tragedy was also the victory that provide us with life and freedom. In the hours directly before His betrayal, Jesus spent time with his inner circle of disciples. They celebrated the Passover, they worshiped, they talked, they prayed.

As I was reading about their interactions, I noticed a question Jesus proposed. He was in the process of giving them instructions, and asked, “When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?” (Luke 22:35 NASB) The disciples responded with the obvious answer – no. They lacked nothing. Everything they needed was provided.

I can’t tell you for sure, but I believe this strategic question was part of Jesus preparing them for what was coming next. Knowing they would soon face their darkest days, Jesus was reminding them even in this, they could trust. When everything would fall apart, they could find strength in their God who had always provided for them. By looking back, the disciples could find strength for their next assignment.

Just like for the disciples, when you and I ask the right questions it can make all the difference.

A good question can change our perspective. It can help us recognize the goodness we have seen and apply it to today’s challenges. It can help us look back and in turn see the future with greater clarity.

A good question can stop us from spiraling and ground us in the truth. It can help us extract God’s principles, to know His character, and to claim His promises.

A good question helps us push pause on worry and walk toward faith. It exposes our faulty thinking and gives us a firm foundation for processing our current situation.

A good question is an invitation to bring God into our thinking. Instead of being self-absorbed, we can allow God to shape our thoughts.

For me, Jesus’ question, “you did not lack anything, did you?” was exactly what I needed to stop my out of control worry. By asking this question, I realized that this one situation was not the deciding factor for my future. Yes, I still needed a solution. True, I didn’t understand why God had not answered my prayers. Sure, I had concerns. But I also knew that God is my Provider. And my God has a good track record. He has never failed me before, and He would not fail me now.

What about you? Can you relate? Maybe something unexpected has thrown you off. A looming circumstance has overtaken you. Or a small distraction is stealing your peace.

Look back. Gain perspective. Remind yourself of truth.

Ask yourself a good question – How have I seen God’s faithfulness so far? Has God ever failed me before? How has God provided in the past? When I have seen God’s power? What do I know about God’s character?