Rabun For the Gospel

Life is a Blessing, or is it?

By Tracy McCoy

Have you ever thought that maybe life is not always a blessing? I’ve been writing this column for 15 years. In fact this July issue marks my 15 year anniversary as the owner and publisher of this Laurel. Most days I am joyful or strive to be but in recent years that joy comes and goes, but hasn’t that been the case with most of us? The world is a madhouse right now. Never have I witnessed such craziness in my lifetime. Let me state that this is not a political column this space is used to share the only answer I am sure of. Jesus.

He told us that troubles will come. Life is messy sometimes. Tempers flare, feelings override logic and hearts are broken. Depression and anxiety are being experienced by children and seniors and many in between. I myself have had a lifelong battle with depression but 2020 was my tipping point. I had to find some help, and I did, but people, life is just plain hard some days!

Let’s look at what Jesus himself said about the troubles we will face. In John chapter 16 verse 33 He said, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” When I read those words it’s like the ending of the movie when the good guy prevails and the bad guy dies or is put in jail. Guess what, that’s pretty much how the story is going to unfold (read Revelations). Jesus also questions why we worry. I am a professional worrier. Like I’ve thought about starting a business as where you could call me and tell me your troubles and because I am so good at overthinking and worrying myself sick I take on your stuff so you can live your life. Uh, I am really just kidding but you know what, Jesus already did that too. He said this about your burdens and mine… “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28

So knowing that the victory is already His and He walks beside us daily and can handle the load, why do we still worry? I think that it comes from being human and that there are so many things that take our eyes off of the One who holds the peace we seek. Now before we go any further I want to make it clear that I have a chemical imbalance in my brain and I found that I needed medication to enable me to think clearly. I am NOT saying what has been said to me, “If you were are a better Christian, you would not feel sadness or worry”. The truth is that sometimes God gives doctors the answers we need. I am however talking about the joy and peace that is added to our lives when we stay focused on our Savior. Like Peter when he jumped out of the boat, it wasn’t until he looked down that he sunk. I think that says keep your head up believer and focus on Me. I’ll lead you and walk your most troublesome paths with you. Troubles will come but I got this!

I noticed while reading the Psalms that David was just like us. One day he was on top of the world and the next he was lamenting, filled with fear and anxiety. The world can be a tough place and with tensions running high it’s even scarier, but remember this verse in Colossians chapter 3 verse 15 “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” I am learning to practice gratefulness and I am an admitted work in progress. I am however forgiven and free. Not perfect, yet striving to be Christlike. I realize that when life overwhelms me, I can always run to my Heavenly Father. He knows me best.

In Hebrews 13:6 the writer says “So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Many years ago a gentleman I met in the grocery store was talking to me about a trial he had faced. Unbeknownst to him I was in a time of trial. He quoted this scripture to me and I’ve never forgotten it. I hid it in my heart and have used it again and again. Another verse I try to keep ever present is this one in 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” How powerful is that? The God of the Universe cares for you and me. He loved us enough to send Jesus to take our sins and cast them as far as the east is from the west. If you haven’t had that conversation with Jesus yet, you should. The one where you admit that you have sinned and you are sorry. He is so ready to forgive those sins and be your Savior too. He loves you so much more than you could ever imagine. He wants us to trust him, to experience His peace that really passes all understanding. This peace is there even in those darkest hours. Sometimes I am like Peter and I look down at myself and doubts fill my mind but my heart knows that I can reach out and take His hand and I am rescued.

A friend whose husband had been battling Covid-19 and was very ill never lost sight of where her and his help would come from. Over and over she posted updates and always she said these words, “God is our Resource. So true, friends, so true. Is life always a blessing? I think it is.