Chasing False Gods

 

Photo by Gerd Altman at Pixaby - Words by Author

The false gods of popularity, success, security and safety draw us to them. But we will never be popular enough, opinions can turn in the blink of an eye, and success can plummet overnight. None of us will be as safe or as secure as we hope.

Jesus did not promise an easy life, or that he would save us from every disaster or danger. Instead, he assured us he would walk with us, even carry us when life pressed down too hard.

Although I understand God is more concerned with my holiness than my earthly happiness, it doesn’t mitigate my suffering. However, putting my life and my desires into God’s hands would lesson my anxiety, but I still struggle with letting go.

Giving my life into God’s care and focusing on his commandments, doesn’t mean putting my head in the clouds and ignoring issues and circumstances. Jesus gave us so many examples to follow. He spoke out against pride, immorality, injustices, and crimes, but was just as quick to forgive the repentant. He refused to engage in useless arguments or self-justification.

“Dear Lord, help me remain hopeful of deliverance from my troubles, remind me of the miracles you have already bestowed on me, and when your will does not include rescue from my sorrows, counsel me, encourage me, and strengthen me.” Amen.

The Savings Account

Since our income will take a huge plunge in a little over two months with my retirement, my husband and I spent hours going over our budget.  We felt we’d be okay, financially, as we will have all our debts paid off, except the mortgage, but it is always better to sit down and look at actual figures, particularly our tax withholding. We sure don’t want a nasty surprise at the end of the year.

And so, we fiddled, plotted, and planned for hours, crunching numbers around every possible scenario we could envision. With the debts paid off, and no work expenses, we’ll actually have more money left after bills than we do now (no surprise there, but good to see the actual numbers verify that).