We live in a world that is completely consumed with SELF (Me, Myself, I). 2 Timothy 3:2-4 warns us that these days were coming: “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. ” And much of this love of self has worked its way into Christianity, as we also all too often demand our own desires and wants be filled. When trials or difficulties come, we argue “What did I do to deserve this?”. When things don’t go the way we want, we complain “I don’t like this! Get me out of here God!” And, we like so much of the world around us all too often say “I deserve better!”
Well, the truth is – we don’t deserve ANYTHING good. No one does. God created us, and when we come into this world – we don’t come with a list of “entitlements”. God can do WHATEVER He wants in our lives and we have NO EXCUSE for questioning Him or demanding better! Instead of complaining about our circumstances and things (or lack of…) we should thank God for the blessings we DO enjoy, and that He cares for us as He so graciously does. And – we should learn to COMPLETELY trust Him and His control.
In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul reminds us, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Note he says “Don’t worry about ANYTHING”, AND “IN” EVERYTHING talk to God. Not AFTER the trials and difficulties are passed and we’ve made it out, but IN the trials, IN the difficulties, IN the circumstances we may not enjoy – give THANKS to God. We focus WAY too much on ourselves and what WE want. Instead, try FOCUSING on Him.
Paul reminds us that the peace of God, which surpasses ALL understanding will guard our hearts and minds IN Christ Jesus. As long as we focus on Him and His Word – and learn that NOTHING happens to us that is not part of His PERFECT plan, we can have peace and joy even in the most difficult of circumstances, because it’s not about what we do or don’t deserve – it’s about what GOD chooses for us. Remember, when Jesus was here on this earth, the world hated Him, ridiculed Him, mocked Him, and killed Him. What makes us think we deserve better? He says “You just keep your focus on ME – I’ve got EVERYTHING under control!”