2 Corinthians 6:10 … sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

The seeming contradictions of God’s economy are extreme. When we apply this world’s standards to ourselves and to each other, we come up with a very different picture of how things are than when we apply God’s standards. Guess which are correct? I come back to Charlie Kirk, whom I talked about in yesterday’s prayer meeting. He lost his physical life, yet he gained eternity, and a heritage that is absolutely magnificent. Cardinal Dolan was not wrong when he said that Charlie was like Paul. The better we understand that this world is temporary, that we were created for, and are being prepared for, eternity, the better we will be able to have peace and joy in the middle of whatever is going on. John 16:33 has long been one of my favorite verses: “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.” When we anchor ourselves in Christ, we can see things from His perspective more and more, and thus rest, relax, and rejoice in Him. That’s what Charlie did, it’s what Erika needs to do more and more, and what we all need to do.

Right now I feel overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of things to do. There are things I am obligated to do, things I want to do, and things that just happen. I don’t have the wisdom to keep it all straight, and that’s why I feel overwhelmed. God has told me to rest, relax, and rejoice in Him, but I’m still learning how! My daughters are here from America right now, and that automatically multiplies the things I want to do. At the same time, my highest priority at the moment is listening to my Lord to hear what He wants me to say this coming Sunday in the service. I’m very aware of my inadequacy for all the demands on me, but that’s actually a very good place to be, because it forces me to depend on God. He is up to the task!

Father, thank You for this reminder. You know how much I feel like crawling into a hole and forgetting the world. Help me instead crawl further into Christ, allowing You to fill me with Your Spirit to do everything You have planned for me, for the blessing of the people around me and for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!