When life turns upside down

Today the world we were used to is on hold. Our activities, work-life, and family life, were forced to change because of an invisible enemy: Covid19. Today the world is shaking, and I come here to remind you that you will not be shaken. 

Circumstances shift unexpectedly, and life can quickly turn upside down without warning you. It is almost as if when life becomes comfortable; something happens to disturb you. It can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a stronghold. 

Well, difficult situations don’t necessarily have to bring unhappiness or anxiety. Hard times can push you to become stronger and mold you into someone new. I am not saying you won’t ever be crushed or feel broken, but I am telling you that after that tough period will come something better. I am saying that from brokenness, from pain, from darkness, beauty can arise. Just like crushed grapes give delicious wine, or like an ugly cocoon brings life to a beautiful butterfly, unpleasant circumstances can lead to a better version of you. A new life.

Here is the key: The way you can live through challenges and grow from it is to remember the truth. Everything changes, but one thing remains true in every circumstance: Our loving God is with us.

God brings light into the darkness. 

While everything was dark and unformed, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. (Genesis 1:3). He spoke, and the world went from darkness, ugliness to light and beauty. When things turn upside down, God brings us light. 

God looks for us.

After they ate the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve were hiding because they were afraid, but God went looking for them. “Where are you?” He said in Genesis 3:9. 

He looks for us even when we are ashamed and afraid, even when we think we don’t deserve Him. Even in death, God brings life. Even in the chaos, God brings beauty.

God is our refuge.

In Psalm 18:2, it reads: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

We can hold on to Him in every situation, and He delivers us from any prison we might be in. He protects us, keep us steady and free.

God is our rock.

Let me finish by reminding you of this verse from Philippians 4:6:

“6 Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. 7 And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.”

Today we are reminded that we have a good father looking for us. He is offering his hand to whoever is willing to hold on to Him. We don’t have to worry because whatever we ask with a faithful heart, He will give. He is a strong foundation in which we won’t be shaken. He is a firmly rooted tree that won’t bend under the wind. Let us all be the branches to this tree, connected together through Him: strong and trusting.