When Life Feels Like Goldilocks
Remember Goldilocks? She tried the porridge - too hot, too cold. The beds - too hard, too soft. Nothing was ever "just right." Sound familiar?
We're experts at finding things to grumble about. The stoplight takes too long. The bag of chips seems half empty. The internet goes down and you're stuck on hold with Comcast. It's too hot, too cold, too rainy, too sunny. Like Goldilocks, we're constantly evaluating what God has given us and judging it inadequate.
But here's the problem: All this grumbling kills our joy and blinds us to the ways God is actively working in our lives. Thankfully, there is a better way. Take a few minutes to reflect on these three transformative truths about how God is working, even when nothing feels "just right":
He's Working In You
Think of your life like a garden. Just as a tenant farmer must cultivate the land - tilling, planting, weeding, watering - we're called to cultivate the fruit of joy in our lives. This means getting our hands dirty in the soil of our souls, pulling out the weeds of grumbling and planting seeds of gratitude.
But here's the incredible news: You're not gardening alone. God himself, the Master Gardener, has his sleeves rolled up and his hands in the dirt with you. He's not sitting in an air-conditioned truck drinking Coke Zero while you do all the work. He's actively working in you "both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
Even better? He's not grumbling about how long it's taking or how many times you've struggled with the same sins. He delights in this work. He sings over you as he cultivates beauty in your heart.
He's Working Through You
Every circumstance you face - from minor inconveniences to major life challenges - is an opportunity for God to work. That delayed answer to prayer, that difficult relationship, that season of waiting - none of it is wasted.
A grumbling heart is essentially disputing with God about how he's chosen to run his universe. But when we trust him, even in the wilderness seasons, we "shine like stars" in a world full of complainers. We demonstrate that we really believe our Father cares for us and has good purposes for everything he allows in our lives.
He's Working For You
Here's the best part: Even when we fail to rejoice, even when we give in to grumbling, God is still working for us. Our joy isn't based on our perfect performance but on the finished work of Jesus - the truly blameless one who was perfectly obedient for us.
The cross demonstrates the incredible lengths God will go to work all things - even darkness, death, and suffering - for the good of his grumbling, arguing children. If he can turn history's darkest moment into humanity's greatest victory, he can certainly work your current circumstances for good.
Learning to Rejoice Together
At Palm Vista Church, we're learning together what it means to trade our grumbling for rejoicing. We're not asking you to fake happiness or just "think positive." Instead, we're inviting you to fix your eyes on the concrete evidence of God's work in your life - past, present, and promised future.
We need each other for this journey. Sometimes you'll need to hear others singing when your heart wants to grumble. Sometimes you'll need to be reminded of Christ's finished work when all you can see is what's not working in your life.
Whether you're just exploring faith or you're ready to learn more about finding joy in all circumstances, we invite you to join us. Together, we're discovering that every bowl of porridge - hot or cold - is an opportunity to taste and see that the Lord is good.
Join us this Sunday at 10:30 AM - 1956 NW 183rd St, Miami Gardens, FL
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