“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweight them and will last forever!”
2 Corinthians 4-17

I was searching for a new apartment closer to work, but none of them suited me. I went to see several, and they all promised to be better than the last, only to be about the same. As a matter of fact, all the apartments I saw reminded me a lot of packaged food. While the store brands are usually a few cents cheaper, they are not that much different than the name brand. In the end, the Lord worked it out so that I was able to move into a beautiful house. It was much better in many different ways than the apartments I had looked at, and my frustration was replaced by joy.

I believe Christians should be the most positive people in the world, but our trust needs to be in an almighty God rather than ourselves. Because we can focus on each day with a Christ-centered outlook, we can rejoice in trials that confront us. If I had tried to work up a self-confidence rather than listening to Christ, I might have moved into one of those apartments and missed God’s best.

Much of today’s so-called positive thinking rests on making affirmations and envisioning what you want. I never hear about asking God what His will is. I just hear about how we can shape our environment, rather than letting God mold us into His image. Most of these “teachers” use positive Bible verses, but many of these verses are taken out of context. While it is true that we should meditate on God’s word throughout the day, it should not be to get what we want.

Teachings like this only dwell on the here and now, but God says that this life is preparing us for eternity. When I thought about how egocentric these philosophies were, it struck me how temporary our sojourn on this little planet we call Earth really is. At the end of the day, our lives are much like a person living in an apartment. If you are renting, you don’t put a lot of your own money into a place you will eventually have to leave. That is why Jesus told us to store up our treasures in Heaven.

So, my question to you is, are you investing your time and treasure in an apartment that you will have to move from? Or are you focusing on God’s eternal kingdom? In other words, where is your heart fixed? When trials come, is your trust in God or in affirmations? Have you experienced God’s joy in these? Think about that in light of what you’re going through, and ask God if you need him to help you adjust your priorities. I urge you today, my friend: Don’t put all you have into a ship that is sinking.

Instead, let God guide the ship of your life. No matter what you are facing, let God guide you into the eternal sea of His love. While things may remain turbulent around you, you will find the peace and joy you have been searching for.

Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You may also send your donation to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 377 E. Chapman Ave., Suite 260, Placentia, CA 92870.

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