never be shaken

“When I felt secure, I said, ‘I will never be shaken.'” (1)

When everything goes smoothly or is going well, I have noticed a decrease in the intensity and frequency to which I seek the presence of Jesus. The easier and more comfortable my life becomes, the less I pray, the less I read Scripture. And the longer everything goes “well” the longer I go living on my own, the further I wander off.

There is something about the trials, difficulties, challenges, and uncomfortable events that bring us back to seeking Jesus. Maybe that’s what James meant when he wrote “When all kinds of trials crowd into your lives, my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends.” (2) Perhaps in a way, they really are serving our best interests because they nudge us or send us running back home, back to the place we left when things became smooth, easy, and comfortable. Seems like the best thing for me, is that something “hard” needs to remain in my life to keep me centered, like a fence that keeps me in the yard and keeps me from wandering off.

We are desperate for the deliverance, provision, and protection of the Lord. Only our stupid arrogance would be the reason we operate, live our lives, make our plans and go about our day without sitting with Jesus and having a listening conversation about all of these things.

O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. (3)

Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me. (4)

(1) Psalm 30.6

(2) James 1:2 (JB Phillips)

(3) Psalm 30.2

(4) Psalm 43.3