Freshly divorced and with no job, she walked into her new apartment in a new town in a new state with her 2 young children. Better schools, great choices, more opportunities! She was looking forward to her new life.
A year and a half later, she’s had some hurtful comments, crying spells, health issues, and numerous interviews, but still no job!
This sure wasn’t planned, of course, or even expected.
Is there no way of escape for us in pain or predicaments?
What has you feeling down or “bummed out?” More month than money, relationships not working, health issues? I’ve been there. These times are NOT fun! But I believe “this too shall pass” as we “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God” and wait (patiently)!
I have had this in my Bible for many years. I find it very calming and a good reminder.
The further along life’s journey I get, the more I realize that “seeking first the Kingdom of God” and waiting patiently is the way to manage a difficulty when it rears its threatening head. I believe that God wants good in our lives and to bless us when we trust in and wait for His timing (wait for this to pass). Believe it or not, waiting time is not wasted time. With an open heart and the right attitude, this time can be productive. We can grow. We can accumulate more trust and patience. In my heart I believe He KNOWS what we are going through and what we need.
I am currently reading the true story of the Trapp Family Singers, written by Maria von Trapp, and “seek ye first the Kingdom of God” is exactly what they did.
Their family of 12 went through many hard times and trials as immigrants in America when all they could do was pray and wait while seeking Him first. The full verse (Matthew 6:33) says “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Hal le lu, Hal le lu jah!) Whenever I say this verse the song automatically pops into my head, and it ends with Hallelujah. 🙂
The von Trapps saw God faithfully work, and literally had “all these things added unto them” (financial needs met, restored health, good friends, opportunities, etc.). They asked God for guidance and provision when they couldn’t provide for themselves, and He always came through. He will for you, too. There is story after story of “just in time” provision in the book.
I have observed “this too shall pass” in many instances that seemed SO hard or disheartening in my life and the lives of others around me. For one example, in my mother-in-law’s life as well as my own, daughters have been restored to us when it certainly looked like that would never happen. (Thank You, Lord!)
But how do we “seek Him first?” Good question. For sure, I think it means not to worry, and this is huge! What a difference it makes when you are not focusing on and worrying about what “might” or “might not” happen. How many times have you worried about something and then it wasn’t as bad as you thought it would be or maybe it didn’t happen at all?! Worrying does not change anything, so why do it?
Also, I believe seeking Him first means to do what you can in this moment. Just keep doing what you know is the right thing to do for now and practice the attitude of gratitude for what you do have. I think this makes it easier in the waiting time.
If we concern ourselves with spiritual things–growing in Him through quiet time (reading the Bible, devotions, prayer, etc.), He will concern Himself with our earthly needs.
I guess the bottom line to seeking Him first is trusting that He’s “got your back”, so no need to worry. I know this is not easy, especially if you are new at it, but if you keep persisting, in time, it will be more natural for you.
On a lighter note, comedian Mark Lowry says his favorite verse is “And it came to pass.” “All things pass. They don’t come to stay. If you’re a young jock with lots of muscles…they will pass. If you’re having a bad year, it will pass. If you’re having a good year…it will pass. Older folks with arthritis, it will pass. It will pass or you will!” 😛
If you want to hear Mark do the quip live, click below. It’s worth a listen; he is a really funny guy. The “This too shall pass” portion is from about 1:50-3:40. (The video is kind of blurry, sorry.)
Remember the mother in the new apartment from above? Well, the best thing happened to her. She became a follower of Jesus! ♥ She is learning to trust and to wait. She has grown so much in the last year through awesome sermons at church, her “quiet times,” and meeting and spending time with other Jesus followers. Lots of positive changes have been happening lately, and she sees that things are working out. She has hope!
We can get through hard times. They will pass. Seek God and keep a good attitude. 🙂
My goals in writing these posts are to encourage and connect with you. I pray you are getting some benefit!
Until next time…
Blessings and blooms,
Pam
Author: Pam
Glad you’re here!
I love reading your blog postings! Thank you for listening to what the Lord says and sharing…
Awesome
Thank you, Jane and Tricia. Blessings!