Circumstances and Attitudes

Many times, our attitudes are affected by our circumstances. It is easy to be joyful, patient, and loving when things are going the way that we want them to go. On the other hand, it is not so easy to be patient while waiting in a long queue, or joyful when we are sick, or loving when somebody dangerously cuts us off in traffic.

James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” Trials reveal the true inner character of the person being tested. When we are under trials, let us steadfastly reflect the love of God, by His grace.

Freely Given

It feels better to give, when we give generously and freely. When we feel compelled to give, it just doesn’t have the same good feeling. So, when we can, we give to the organizations and causes that we agree with and that we feel are doing good things.

Romans 9:15-16 says, “For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” God’s love, grace, mercy, and compassion do not depend on our efforts to be good and cannot be earned. These gifts come to us because He chooses to give them to us though we are not deserving.

Changing Map

Throughout history, kingdoms and nations have come and gone. Some thrive for a while before their weaknesses overcome them. Others are conquered by other kingdoms or nations. The conquering kingdoms then require the defeated nations to serve them.

Hebrews 12:28-29 says, “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Those who trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord partake of a kingdom of grace, mercy, forgiveness, salvation, and redemption. God’s kingdom is eternal and cannot be shaken in any way. Our response is continual thanksgiving and worship of the God, who in His mercy and grace, provided such a kingdom for unworthy man.

Count On It

We love people that we can count on and circumstances that are familiar. We feel comfortable and secure with these people and circumstances.

Psalm 26:3 says, “For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness.” Notice that the psalmist says that he walks in God’s faithfulness. The psalmist kept his focus on God’s steadfast love and God was faithful to guide and care for him.

Looking Ahead to Something Better

We are used to looking ahead for better things. We will try hacks from social media in an effort to make things easier. We look forward to vacations to enjoy different scenery and opportunities. We may scan job postings to see if a position may better fit our needs. In each of these cases, we believe something better awaits us and this belief motivates us to action.

Hebrews 11:13-14 says, “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.” Faith enables us to see beyond our circumstances to the things that God has promised. Believers are never hopelessly mired in things that drag them down, they are, however, always able to come through the circumstances by focusing on the sovereign God over all circumstances and His Word.