“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
Warmly wrapped in a sun blanket, gentle breezes tossed my hair. I caught the arresting aroma of fresh gardenias. My lungs filled with a satisfying breath.
Could this moment get any better than this?
Proud of myself? Yes indeed. I finally settled into an exercise routine I actually enjoy. Just an old-fashioned bike, red with wide handle bars. No skinny tires or fancy gears, although “Bessie” does boast an impressive bell that offers priceless embarrassment to my young adult children.
Back to my awesome day. Could this moment get any better than this? Plunked into nature, fully engaged in my ride, I held my chin high as I eloquently mastered a series of curves. Then, while beaming at my accomplishments . . . KA-BAM! A sharp turn careened me into a bed of gravel. Did those rocks jump out in front of me? No, however, a squirrel did, forcing an altered course.
Unfortunately, this had not been my only biking misfortune. Once, I was stung by a wasp and had to pedal all the way home with a stinger in my arm. On another occasion, I decided to change my route and ventured into a foreign, confusing, unfamiliar neighborhood, which eventually left me lost.
Dusting off my bruised ego, I climbed back onto Bessie, reflecting on how my nature mishap was just like life. Some days, even seasons, of my life exude contentment. I’m appreciated at work, my kids are respectful, my marriage is in sync, my parents’ health is good, and my quiet time is great. I’m confident. I’m happy.
Then—KA-BAM! A misfired communication with hubby, a disgruntled client, a child’s alienation, a friend’s terminal diagnosis. Worry, anger, insecurity, sadness, fear. Unforeseen obstacles and “stings” send me swerving off my smooth sidewalk, scrambling to find balance.
Life happens. We hit loose rocks and lose footing. Paths are steep and painful to climb. Our road is full of cracks, crevices and large bumps—extremely difficult to travel. We become gripped by fear when we find ourselves in uncharted territory. Listen to what God says:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
Perseverance . . . steady persistence amidst difficulties. When we cast our cares on Jesus, He gives us the strength to press onward. He will sustain us and help us find our footing.
Yes, I sometimes fall off my bike. Sometimes I suffer stings. Sometimes, I am completely lost. I suffer injuries, many times due to circumstances beyond my control; other times, sadly, due to my own poor navigation. Through it all, I have the ongoing assurance of knowing, through God’s word and with God’s help, I can keep getting back up on that bike!
Lord, help us turn to You in our times of struggle, discouragement or pain. Help us take our eyes off ourselves and our circumstances and fix our eyes on Your guiding, restoring power. Help us embrace Your promises and trust You, knowing that in our difficulties we may draw closer to You and our faith will be made stronger. Be our compass as we journey through that rocky terrain.
