Is it just me, or do you grow when you lose something or someone important to you?
It seems like the more I have: money, clothes, food, toys, etc., the more stagnant my spiritual state. It’s then that I almost want God to take something away from me so I can see (again) that it’s only him that makes me happy. It’s only in him that I find real joy, real peace, real fulfillment. The stuff just gets in the way, deceiving me with its shiny newness or that temporary high of satiety.
I don’t understand how rich people can truly put their trust in God. Maybe that’s because I’m not mature enough to handle wealth with the balance and discipline it requires to not let money rule me. Jesus did say it is pretty hard for the rich to enter his kingdom.
I’m working hard to keep stuff from dominating my life. It’s not easy! But I’d rather keep my possessions minimal and my focus right than allow my heart to turn away from him, because that’s when he might take away something (or God forbid, someone) to get my attention.
People often ask questions like “why do bad things happen to good people?” and “how could a good God allow such tragedy?” I think part (not all) of the answer is in what he wants to happen in us. When he allows you to suffer, he’s allowing that pain to form your character. You have two choices when faced with the pain of loss: you can be bitter and harden your heart to him, or you can run to him and cry on his shoulder. You can either move farther from him or closer to him. He never takes away your free will, but he allows painful events to give you the opportunity to grow.
Go ahead, snuggle up.
I know what you mean, because i learned the meaning of loss since i was 9, when dad passed away, but the most valuable God taught me about loss is EXPRESSION, I have had for Father for all these years and recently I have been more receptive to His gentle tap on the shoulder every time i get sad, HE is like: Do you want to talk about it ?
Emotions are so powerful, they can bring you in heaven or hell, Proverbs says a man who is a master of himself is better than the one who takes cities.
You are right, God is all about what happens in us…