Sometimes when things are difficult, what you think is- I need to try harder. If I can figure out a different approach, or if I study more, or if I work more hours, or pray longer, maybe everything will get better. It all can seem very reasonable as a plan.
However trying harder is not always the answer. Sometimes we can fixate on different options or ideas, but actually they are not going to change things. Sometimes the situation is not going to improve, or change for the better, and working harder just masks the reality of the underlying issues.
At times in my life, I have gone for the trying harder option. I have wanted to fix things, make them better, even when it has been costly. That has seemed a very Christian thing to do- to take up your cross, to persevere, to find a way forward.
However in my older age, I have realised that I need to stop and question things long before that stage, because I need to ask for wisdom to see things clearly, to have discernment. Often when you are involved in a situation, you don’t have any objectivity- instead you have memories, emotions and perceptions, but you are so intertwined in them all, that you just think you should try to figure it out.
However sometimes God calls us to pause, to seek Him in prayer, to reflect with a trustworthy person, and to ask for guidance. There are times when persevering is no longer the right path, and God says to us to let it all go, and sends us in a new direction. This can be a wake up call, but can be healthier for everyone involved.
The verse in Proverbs 3: 5 and 6 makes it sound so easy; ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight ” When we try to work harder to make a situation better, although we can be well motivated, at times we are not seeing things through God’s eyes. Maybe we have played our part, and now it is some one else’s turn to do the next bit. That is not failure- it can be wisdom.
The turn of the year provides a space to reflect. We look at our lives, and ask God to show us our path, what to let go of, and what to embrace. To see your situation with greater detachment, can enable a discernment- what is our path to be, what brings us closer to God, in what ways can we bless others and also grow in our own faith. Some potential decisions would be disastrous, so we ask for strength to avoid these. Others might need some exploration as they are ambiguous. In all things we listen to the Holy Spirit, and trust that God will reveal more of His purpose to us.
In this new year, for me I know I need to try less hard, but listen more deeply for God’s voice. Being on the right path can help me find a deeper peace, and a better way to live.
Gracious God, we often try so hard to make the world better, by working long hours, by getting more knowledge, by making excuses for bad behaviours. Lord Jesus, You came to bring us forgiveness for our sins, and then to set us free. Forgive us when we try too hard to make things better, when we are working in our own strength. Set us free from false expectations, show us how to make wise decisions, and to live more fully in Your love. May we all learn to walk in the light, to listen for your Holy Spirit, and to trust You for the next step in the path, so we can find peace, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
An umbrella of healing love 