Joel M Bradshaw

20Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.–Proverbs 16

I recall during the quarantine of 2021 being a substitute ‘teacher’. I oversee support groups at my church and during that season, we ran them on zoom. I recall that our DivorceCare men’s leader had a surprise work conflict and he needed someone to lead the discussion. We have a commitment with our support groups that our leaders share the story of the participants. Our grief support must be led by grievers, for example. Well, I have never been separated or divorced!

I let the men know my situation, and thanked them for doing this good work. I encouraged them to stick to the program. The main thing I wanted to share was that God has brought them to this current season for a reason. Pay attention. Do the work. And trust God. I spent time listening to each of them and offering basic biblical perspective on life.

Today’s verse encourages us to give thought to our situations in life. Live life intentionally by considering matters. What good do I discover when I stop and consider my situations? I discover that God is both God and good. He is sovereign and in control. He is also bringing my life to a good place. My situations will ultimately result in God being glorified and also in the best possible good. And this is not because of me, but because of God. All I can do is trust.

There are therefore things in your life you cannot control and things you can. Don’t waste time trying to focus on what you can’t control. This will only provide frustration and feed anxiety. Focus instead on what you can control. This will provide discipline and encouragement.

In spiritual terms, what you can’t control, trust God. What you can control, honor God. I couldn’t share experience to those men from my divorce history, because I have none. But I could encourage them biblically. That was the lane I could run in and so I did.

God has brought each of you reading these words to this current season of your life. Focus on God’s Word. Trust in Him. The blessing that comes is the knowledge that you are where you need to be with God and doing what you should be doing. Nobody ever needs anything spiritually more than that.–JMB