Really? So my rough time is happening because I didn't trust God enough, or I didn't tell God I was depending on His promises, or I forgot to tithe last week, or I didn't pray long enough over that last important decision? Sorry, can I have a do over then?
Recently, I actually felt bombarded by messages and devotionals on God's promises and God's blessings. I began to earnestly seek what God's word really tells us about these things. I couldn't believe that how much God blessed you depended on something you were doing. If that were true then why are some of His most faithful servants struggling on so many levels? It didn't make sense.
It didn't take long for my prayers for wisdom on this matter led me to a sermon preached by Pastor Rick Warren. It was like I had emailed him my question and he was personally giving me an answer.
My definition of the word blessing was very narrow.
I was defining blessing to be something that happened to me on the outside such as, financial stability, positive relationships, opportunities in life.....when really, I should be defining blessing as something that is happening inside of me.
The passage of scripture Pastor Rick was using was the Sermon on the Mount. It was explained that when looking at the greek translation of the word 'blessed', it actually could be translated as 'happy'. This definition coincided all I had been taught in my life about the Christian Walk. We aren't promised good health, wealth, family, friends or any of the things that I looked at as being a blessing. What we are promised is to be able to have peace in all circumstances.
I know that doesn't sound like much, but if you have ever struggled, I bet if you looked back, the worse part of that struggle wasn't the circumstances but the inner turmoil that accompanied those circumstances. I can compare it to what it's like for my daughter to have blood drawn. She will tell you that it isn't the pain of the prick that makes her hate having this common procedure done, instead, it's the anxiety and anticipation before the prick that is so hard to deal with.
As a lymie, I can tell you that the pain and fatigue isn't the hardest part of the disease. I struggle most with the stress and frustration I feel in regards to the circumstances that are a part of living with Lyme. When I am able to put all my trust on God's promises I feel relief from these negative emotions and am truly able to feel happy despite my circumstances. I had a conversation recently with an acquaintance about why I looked so good despite how much pain I was in at that particular moment.
The realization was it was because I was smiling.
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