Do you ever feel like your world is spinning out of control? Does it feel like you can only get your life in order for short periods before it spins apart again? How do we hold it all together in a world that seems so chaotic at times?

In several readings and group conversations lately, the following statement has come up and caught my attention. (I love it when God does this).

Facing Reality = Improved Mental Health

How does this relate to Christ-followers in our walk with Jesus? What realities are necessary for us to face?

The first reality we need to face and embrace are the truths of God’s character.

Now, before you read further, take a few minutes to relax, calm your soul, and sit in silence in the peace of God’s presence. Ask Him to reveal His true character in one new way to you in the next few moments.

(PAUSE)

Slowly read through some of these known attributes of our God, as you sit with Him. Regardless of where you are in your walk with God, these truths, these realities of who God is, will anchor your soul back to Him. It’s so easy to lose focus in this life – and apply our earthly “limits” to the true character of God.

There’s no one anywhere on earth who compares.

God is All-Powerful

“Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.” (Psalm 24:8) Nothing is too hard, or impossible, for Him to accomplish (Gen 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Luke 1:37)

One of my favorite verses and truths about God. Nothing - nothing is too hard or impossible for Him to hold.   

“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17)  Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” (Psalm 147:5)

God is All-Knowing and All-Present

“O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.” (Psalm 139:1- 4)

God understands every detail of our lives and of our struggles. He already knows. You can go to Him - anytime. 

Debbie McDaniel, a Christian writer whose heart is to encourage others and share hope from God’s word writes:
“He can be everywhere, at the same time. And He never sleeps or slumbers. He’s aware every moment of every day, exactly what we’re up against. He knows our way, and is with us always. There’s no place on this earth we can go that He doesn’t see and know of.”

“The knowledge that we are never alone calms the troubled sea of our lives and speaks peace to our soul.”
-A.W. Tozer

God is Good - Perfect and Just

“O, taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8)  David is inviting us not just to believe that God is good, but to experience God’s goodness. This doesn’t mean that we won’t face suffering on this side of heaven.

“A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” (Psalm 34:19)

“He is the Rock! His work is perfect, and all His ways are just; A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4)

God is Self-Sufficient

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen! ” (Ephesians 3:20)

We can go to God to satisfy all our needs. We never have to worry about “drying up” his never- ending well of goodness, peace, mercy and grace.  We are limited in our abilities.  God is not.

God is Loving

I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18)

As we focus on our Creator, our Father, He will calm our souls and give us direction. His love for us is unconditional. 

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35, 38-39)

God Never Changes

“I, the Lord, do not change.” (Malachi 3:6).

If you are “holding it all together” according to a worldly opinion, that could easily change tomorrow.  Our culture is constantly shifting, often depending on whose company you are in or what setting you find yourself. God does not change. He is constant and reliable. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)  

God's character is of the highest integrity. He is morally perfect in every way, so He will always do the right thing. He is holy, absolutely truthful, righteous and just. And, as His creation He loves us so completely.

As we humbly look to God as the leader of our life, we can trust Him completely. He does not expect us to be holding it all together – or in any way have it all together – to be in relationship with Him. Approach Him. Let Him help you. You can release your hold, relax, and hand it to Him.  Remember, He’s always there waiting for you.

For Reflection:
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

What next steps will you take to continue embracing the reality of who God truly is and His nature? 

What characteristic of God’s true nature helps you most trust Him today?

Song – Still Waters (Psalm 23) by Leanna Crawford

We can trust God only to the degree that we know Him and have humbly surrendered our life to Him. Many people know of God, but to be a Child of God is more than that. God loves all of creation. We know that from the truths and realities of who He is.

To be a Child of God means that you have approached Him and asked Him to lead your life. You have admitted that you have made mistakes, and you are ready to ask for forgiveness. You believe that Jesus is God’s one and only son, and was sent here by God to rescue us. You believe that Jesus took your sins to the cross, so you would not be separated from God. You believe that Jesus died for your sins, that He rose again and lives today, and will return one day soon.

Even as long-time Christ-followers, we can forget what a beautiful gift of love and sacrifice God made – giving up His one and only Son – to bring us back to Him.

No compulsion from God. Just His love. Always waiting for you with open arms. Nothing can separate you from His love.

So, back to God’s recent whisper from yesterday:

Facing Reality = Improved Mental Health

The second reality we need to face and embrace are the truths, the realities, of what it means to be a Child of God.

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:12-13)

Again, take a few minutes to sit in silence and calm your soul before reflecting on these truths God gives us in His Word.

(Pause)

As a Child of God . . .

I am Accepted

I am God’s child. (John 1:12)

I am a new creation in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. (Ephesians 1:3-8)

As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ. (John 15:15)

I have been justified. (I am set right with Him and made fit for Him). (Romans 5:1)

I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:17)

I have been bought with a price and I belong to God. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

I am a member of Christ’s body. (1 Corinthians 12:27)

I have been redeemed (saved) and forgiven of all my sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)

I am complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:9-10)

I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

I am Secure

I am free from condemnation (being declared guilty). (Romans 8:1-2)

I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. (Romans 8:38)

I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God. (Romans 31-39)

I have been established, anointed (chosen and empowered by God for a specific purpose) and seated by God. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. (Philippians 1:6)

I am a citizen of heaven. (Philippians 3:20)

I am Significant

I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life. (John 15:5)

I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit – fruit that will last. (John 15:16)

I am God’s temple and God’s spirit lives in me. (1 Corinthians 3:16)

I am a minister of reconciliation (of peace) for God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

I am picked up and seated in the highest heaven with Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:6)

I am God’s workmanship. (Ephesians 2:10)

I can approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12)

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

“But don’t take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God’s ways had no idea of any of this, didn’t know the first thing about the way God works, hadn’t the faintest idea of Christ. You knew nothing of that rich history of God’s covenants and promises in Israel, hadn’t a clue about what God was doing in the world at large. Now because of Christ – dying that death, shedding that blood – you who were once out of it altogether are in on everything.” (Ephesians 2:11-13 – The Message)

I love that as a Child of God, we are “in on everything.” We are dearly loved, our sins are forgiven, God is with us everywhere and always, nothing is too difficult for Him, and we are rescued for eternity.

As we embrace the truths, the realities, about God, we are able to surrender trying to hold it all together. As we look to Him as our Father and take our focus off our earthly circumstances, we can surrender control to Him. What a wonderful reality! And what freedom He offers each of us.

For Reflection:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1)

How can you take time of stillness each day to reflect on God’s love for you as His child?

How does God’s love so very differ from what you may have previously known of love?

What circumstance in your life can you prayerfully hand to God?

Song – Thank God I Do by Lauren Daigle