Note to Self

Authored by Becky Blake, prayer co-coordinator for our ministry expansion campaign

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do” (James 1:5-8).

When inevitable troubles emerge in our lives, how likely are we to consider it great joy? How are we to feel a quiet contentment in the midst of instability and uncertainty? Seems counterintuitive and most certainly countercultural. Even as followers of Christ, it may feel challenging to endure a wide range of difficulties without wanting to fix things on our own. Our independent nature wants to kick in and take over, leading us to be consumed by self — the common human characteristics of self-pity, self-sufficiency, self-interest, self-serving, and self-pride. Perhaps we feel out of balance due to a lack of self-reflection and repentance. Are we seeking and asking for God’s wisdom? Do we have any unresolved sin to confess and forgiveness to ask for from our Father distracting us from experiencing true joy?

As believers, we know our wounds, past failings, and flaws do not define or disqualify us from God’s limitless and inexhaustible mercy. May this give us hopeful confidence in Him to replace self with the One who is in control and allow Him to work on our behalf. Therefore, we know what we should do in our trials. “Consider it pure joy…” “In this you greatly rejoice…” (James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-9). Why? Because trials make us stronger and allow us to see God’s hand at work in our lives, refining and strengthening our faith — the faith that is the foundation of our relationship with Him, a faith that drives us to have a deeper connection with our Lord and Savior.

Whether it be in the valley or even those mountaintop moments, we must not allow our fleshly feelings to dominate our hearts. Our Father is always eager to provide guidance — all we need to do is ask Him with a sincere heart. Then, we must listen and do what He says. When we follow and obey God’s Word and continue in it all our lives, we will have a deep, lasting peace that depends on our never-changing eternal God (Hebrews 13:8) and not on our constantly changing earthly circumstances. May we be consistently joyful in all of our tests and trials, praising and thanking God for all of it (1 Thessalonians 5:16). May we have confidence knowing that He is in control. There has never been and never will be a time when God is not good; let that be a comforting daily reminder — a constant note to self.

When Peace, Like a River

LSB Hymn 763, Stanzas 1-4

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way;

When sorrows, like sea billows, roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul. Refrain

It is well (It is well)

with my soul, (with my soul),

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate

And hath shed His own blood for my soul. Refrain

He lives—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought;

My sin, not in part, but the whole,

Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! Refrain

And, Lord, haste the day when our faith shall be sight,

    The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,

The trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall descend;

    Even so it is well with my soul.